Jones Back in Fold
- Updated: July 23, 2015
Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com
It was a sight for sore supporters’ eyes on Thursday as Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones was out on the practice pitch and speaking to reporters on Thursday.
Jones, who suffered a groin strain in a 2-2 draw to the Galaxy on May 31 and underwent bilateral sports hernia surgery shortly after, returned to training with his teammates earlier this week.
“I enjoyed the time with my wife and my kids (during my recovery), but I hate not being able to be on the field,” Jones told the media on Thursday. “I hope I can have the same presence I had (on the team) last season and to help them, too.”
The 33-year-old midfielder is anxious to do so. Although he hasn’t partaken in full training since suffering the injury, Jones told reporters that he’ll be travelling with the club for Saturday’s game at Toyota Park against the Fire.
Revolution coach Jay Heaps pumped the breaks on any notion of Jones jumping back into action so quickly, especially given that this is the second sports hernia surgery Jones has undergone since February.
“The most important thing is we’re progressing at the right speed,” Heaps told the media on Thursday. “Last week was getting him out on the field, and working. Now, he’s starting to incorporate back into the group.”
To that end, the Revolution coaching staff has collaborated with the medical team to put together a plan for Jones’ return. And with good reason.
In the seven weeks he’s missed, the Revolution have gone 2-6-0, and only recently snapped a five-game losing streak. As such, the last thing the Revolution want to do is put their prized midfielder in a position to suffer a setback.
While Jones is certainly anxious to return, he hinted that he’s not quite where he needs to be in terms of conditioning.
“Today, I’m just trying to do a little bit with the ball, Jones said, “and make some runs, and try to play some positions, and we’ll go from there.”
Even though he may have to wait another week or two to return to the pitch, Jones is content with the progress he’s made since that rainy late-May match against the defending champions.
“I’m happy to be around the guys now,” Jones said. “I feel good, the pain I had before is (gone), and that’s the biggest part. Like I said on social media, I’m ready to go, and help the club, and to get back to the MLS Cup final.”
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