Jones unsure if he will play 90 minutes against Philadelphia

The New England Revolution has taken a cautious approach to reintroducing Jermaine Jones after his bilateral sports hernia surgery in mid-June. After a couple of brief appearances in recent weeks, Jones is looking for more time against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

The Designated Player initially returned to the bench on Jul. 25, though he didn’t play a single minute.  One week later he made a substitute appearance, saving his first start for Aug 15. In those two games, Jones played a total of 59 minutes.

The midfielder is hoping to offer more this weekend when the Revs travel to PPL Park. Although he’s the type of player that always wants to be on the field, Jones understands that he can’t push too hard, too fast.

"I don’t know," Jones said when asked if he will play 90 minutes. "I have to see it, we have to see how training goes. I hope that I start and then we go from there and see how I feel."

The watchful approach is likely influenced by the busy schedule ahead. The Revs are in the final stretch of the season with nine games to play before the end of October. Jones could also be called up to the US national team, which would mean added games.

There's a lot of soccer for Jones to play between now and the playoffs, but the 33-year-old is taking everything one game at a time.

"We see first that New England is the next game. I try to play 90 but we want to see from the beginning how it is, how I feel." Jones commented. "Then the national team comes. If I go to the national team then I will miss the Orlando game here.

"We have to see how it works and how we make the best for the club and the best for the national team."