Darren Mattocks - file

Heralded Jamaican rookie Darren Mattocks is back in training and may see action for his Major League Soccer (MLS) club this weekend after recovering from burns in a kitchen accident more than six weeks ago.

Mattocks, who starred at St Catherine's Bridgeport High and the University of Akron in the United States before being picked second overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, confirmed he has been working out with Vancouver Whitecaps since last Thursday.

The 21-year-old forward said he is improving his sharpness and could scrimmage with the team today in preparation for Saturday's MLS home game against San José Earthquakes.

"The doctor said I can have full contact," Mattocks said yesterday from his base in Canada. "Everything is back to normal as if nothing happened."

According to Mattocks, on March 18 "oil splashed on my hand" while he was cooking. After spending a brief period in hospital, he claimed he could have resumed playing by the end of the month.

"It was nothing serious," said Mattocks.

However, he was kept away from the game by the club as a precaution to avoid further complications.

"They were worried," Mattocks explained. "They didn't want me to have any contact. They never wanted me to sweat to get (the skin) infected.

"They invested a lot in me," he added.

"They don't want a short term incident to keep me out for the long term."

Mattocks, who played a minute in Vancouver's first game of the season but none in the second, was forced to sit out the six MLS games that followed. He also missed Vancouver's Canadian Championship game against FC Edmonton yesterday.

While disappointed with his extended absence, Mattocks believes he is ready to help Vancouver immediately. The club, despite sitting third in the Western Conference of MLS, North America's top league, has struggled to score, with only seven goals. Vancouver's leading scorer has three.

Much is expected of the quick, skilful rookie, especially after he scored three goals in three games during a preseason MLS tournament. Mattocks said he was primed to deliver before he got hurt.

"It may be easier for me to get in the team because the team is not scoring a lot of goals," he said.

"I was pushing the first team forward to the max before I was injured."

His current fitness, following the layoff, has surprised everyone, said Mattocks. He claimed he could play 75 minutes right now after winning five of nine training sprints against teammates last Friday.

"When the coaching staff heard that, they knew Darren is not far off," the 5' 10", 155-pound Mattocks said. "It's like I was there all along."

He's looking forward to suiting up against San José.

"They (coaches) are planning to include me in the squad," Mattocks said.

Mattocks is hoping to represent the Reggae Boyz in World Cup qualifiers, which begin next month. He was named among 14 overseas-based players for Jamaica's friendly international against Guyana on May 18.

"I will be more than ready for the 18th," said Mattocks. "It's up to Vancouver to release me."

He refuses to let the injury setback dampen his outlook.

"If you put in the work, God will open doors," Mattocks said. "Eventually it will pay off."

He said his two-year stint at Akron, guided by US under-23 coach Caleb Porter, prepared him for the step up to the pros.

"Nothing has shocked me," Mattocks said. "Obviously you go up against better players in MLS, but in terms of tactical awareness and discipline … it's the same (as in college)."

Mattocks said his teammates at Vancouver have been supportive and his mother is visiting from Jamaica to help with his transition. Now, he said, it's up to him in "at least 31 games (remaining) to make an impact.

"It's just for me to get back."