Jermaine Jones out 6-8 weeks after hernia surgery

Jermaine Jones has undergone surgery to repair a sports hernia for the second time this year. The midfielder will now be out 6-8 weeks, earmarking him for a late July return to the pitch.

Jones suffered his first sports hernia last year, but played through it to finish the MLS season and then took part in the United States' January camp before going under the knife in February. That kept him out until April, but he had been fit and played nine games since his return. Now he's back on the sidelines again, though.

The midfielder was expected to be a key part of the U.S. team this summer, but the injury has scrapped those plans. He was injured two weeks ago and missed the Americans' friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany. He'll also miss the Gold Cup, having been left off of the team's preliminary roster, and won't get the chance to suit up for the U.S. again until September.

With Jones out, his experiment in defense is probably over. He looked set to return to the midfield anyway, but he won't be there either. Kyle Beckerman looks to be the Americans' first choice to replace him, starting alongside Michael Bradley in the center of the pitch.