US national team and Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones is all set to undergo a fairly minor knee operation that will sideline him for six weeks of action with Schalke and the USMNT. So says Sport Bild, at least.
But try telling that to Jones, who seems to be quite at odds with the German newspaper right now. The 31-year-old took to Twitter early Monday morning to hush any reports of an impending operation and state emphatically his intent to continue playing for Schalke at the moment.
Jones goes on to imply that readers should believe little of what Bild has to say, because in his mind, it is good more for humor than truth.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the newspaper from one of its frequent subjects, is it?
If USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann chooses to select the well-entrenched midfielder as a starter for upcoming games against Panama and Jamaica, Jones' newfound health will serve as a boost to the Americans as they round out World Cup qualifying in October.
“I have had some minor issues with my knee for a while, and the plan is to take care of it during the winter break,” Jones told U.S. Soccer on Monday. “Playing is obviously no problem. I will be in the team this weekend for the game against Augsburg and I’m ready to go for the national team if I get called in.”
Jones was recently handed a one-match suspension following what was deemed an unacceptable performance late in the game of Schalke's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim over the weekend, meaning he will miss Tuesday's away trip to FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League.
The US national team will begin gathering in Kansas City this coming Sunday ahead of their matchup against Jamaica at Sporting Park on Oct. 11.
