TORONTO

The Kia Training Ground looked like a scene from Men in Black on Tuesday morning.

Four dark-coloured vehicles, all with tinted windows, sat idle outside the main entrance of Toronto FC’s Downsview practice facility.

Like those of us in the media, one of the two black SUVs was awaiting Jermain Defoe’s exit — his driver, if you will.

More than an hour after training, they, like we, were still waiting to hear from the Englishman for the first time in weeks. The 31-year-old has been more or less silent since hobbling off in Salt Lake City with a hamstring strain, promising he’d talk when he regains match fitness.

And, after close to a month, that time arrived Tuesday.

“It feels fine now,” Defoe said of his hamstring. “I feel 100%. I’ve worked really hard. Maybe I’ll come back stronger than I was before, which is important for the team.

“It was frustrating. I was watching the games and just wanted to be out there playing. I’ve always been one of those players where even when I get injuries the physios have to literally pin me down to the bed.”

Defoe was up and about during Tuesday’s training — one that took place in monsoon-like conditions — and, of course, answered a pair of questions pertaining to his chances of joining England at this summer’s World Cup.

“I missed three games,” he reminded reporters. “That happens in football. If you miss three games and that changes the fact (whether you can go to the World Cup) that’s crazy. It’s still early days. I’m back now and that’s the most important thing.”

It seem like the conversation surrounding England manager Roy Hodgson’s coming roster unveiling is becoming a bit tiresome.

“I don’t feel like I need to sell myself to anyone because I just let my football do the talking,”

Hodgson will do the talking in two week’s time, when he’s scheduled to release his 30-man provisional World Cup squad ahead of June’s tournament.

INJURY SITUATION IMPROVES

Head coach Ryan Nelsen will have a much different problem on his hands this week as players return from injury: Player selection.

Other than Jeremy Hall, who Nelsen ruled out, the Reds could have everyone else available come Saturday versus New England.

“First time this season I’ll have difficulty, which will be quite enjoyable to tell you the truth,” Nelsen said.

“We’re starting to get quite a few guys back healthy, which is pleasing.”

Dwayne De Rosario (hamstring) and Alvaro Rey (hamstring) are close to a return while Doneil Henry should be eligible for selection come the weekend. Whether the TFC Academy product will replace Bradley Orr in the heart of defence remains to be seen.

Nelsen added that Michael Bradley, who underwent a minor foot procedure last week, “is good.”

He, like Defoe, is expected to play a role on Saturday following a two-week break.

“It’s a really important phase for us these next five league games,” Nelsen said. “Hopefully we can pick up some points at home and be in a nice little position.”

The Reds currently sit on nine points (3-3-0), two points outside the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with multiple games in hand.

Toronto hosts four of its next five league games with a pair of Canadian Championship games over the next three weeks.

CESAR’S EGO GROWS

Toronto FC ’keeper Julio Cesar doesn’t talk often.

When he does, he’s usually good for a laugh.

For instance, most MLS goalkeepers who are conceding slightly more than a goal per game would be satisfied.

Not Cesar.

“I’m not happy,” he said with a laugh. “Every goalkeeper hates conceding goals. It’s too much. It’s a lot for me.”

On winning MLS Save of the Week following a loss in Dallas: “My friends sent me the pictures and the votes ... For my ego it’s good.”

The Brazilian told reporters Tuesday he expects a May 23 date in Kansas City to be his final before departing for World Cup preparations.