Jose Torres out 10-12 weeks after back surgery

Jose Torres is facing a 10-12 week layoff with a herniated disk in his back, his club confirmed. Tigres said that the American midfielder underwent surgery to fix the problem, but now he's looking at up to three months on the sideline.

Torres had a very good Apertura for Tigres, helping them reach the Liga MX final. After an up-and-down few years, Torres played some of the best soccer of his life. He was tidy on the ball, as always, but took some more chances and created more, while adding a bit more physicality in defense to his game.

After a strong fall, there was some thought that the 27-year-old could force his way back into the United States team. He'd have to continue playing well because Jurgen Klinsmann hasn't given him a look since 2013, but his technical skills mesh with what Klinsmann wants. With him taking more chances and creating more, Klinsmann may have been ready to take another look at the midfielder.

Now Torres isn't going to see the field again until April, at which point the Liga MX season would be in its final weeks. It's tough to imagine him getting back in the U.S. picture before the Gold Cup now. There is still some chance, with the tournament not until July this year and May and June friendlies to make an impression, but more likely, Torres will have to wait until the fall before he gets an opportunity internationally again, if that next chance ever comes.