Defoe sidelined with groin strain

Toronto FC were dealt a blow as star forward Jermain Defoe was ruled out for up to three weeks with a groin strain.

It means the former England international, 31, misses the MLS All-Star game against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

In a statement on Monday, the Eastern Conference’s third-placed team confirmed Defoe would miss “approximately 2-3 weeks”.

Defoe’s first season in the United States has been a successful one, scoring 11 league goals.

The former Tottenham forward’s absence is a blow to Toronto.

Ryan Nelsen’s men have key matches against the Columbus Crew and conference leaders Sporting Kansas City in the next fortnight.