If you were hoping to see Jermaine Jones suiting up for the U.S. national team some time soon, you will have to wait a while longer.
The Schalke 04 midfielder and aspiring U.S. national team player has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left leg after undergoing a scan to find the source of some lingering pain. There is no timetable on Jones' return to action, but he could be out from six to eight weeks.
That timetable, as well as the time he would need to regain fitness and start playing club soccer again, could push back a potential U.S. national team debut to October. Jones still has to have his request for a change of national team approved by FIFA, but it is expected to be finalized by the Fall.
Also, in an interview with German magazine Kicker, Jones downplayed reports about new Schalke 04 manager Felix Magath's unhappiness with him switching from Germany to the United States (citing concerns about the added travel), stating that he had spoken to Magath and the coach understood his motives for playing for the United States.
What do you think of this news? Disappointed? Were you hoping he could be in Azteca in August? Not worried because the United States can beat anybody, with or without Jones?
Share your thoughts below.