Jones needs more surgery, U.S. hopes in doubt

Schalke midfielder and U.S. national-team hopeful Jermaine Jones has been dealt yet another injury blow.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery for a shin injury back in June, but he is still toiling to regain fitness and has once again undergone surgery.

This time he had the metal plate in his leg removed, a procedure that will sideline him for at least six more weeks, German newspaper Bild reported on Wednesday.

Jones underwent surgery to remove the plate, which was inserted in late June to heal a shin fracture but was causing him pain. Indeed, it was this that halted two attempts to return to training.

The news does not only come as a blow for Schalke coach Felix Magath, but endangers the player's chances of making it into the U.S.' 2010 World Cup squad. Jones will not be able to participate in any of the States' potential November international friendlies due to the recovery setback.