Schalke midfielder Jones approved for U.S. switch

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CHICAGO (AP) -- Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones' application to switch to the U.S. team from Germany was approved by FIFA on Tuesday.

Jones, who turns 28 on Nov. 3, has been sidelined since summer by a broken left shin and he has not played in the Bundesliga this season. He made three appearances for Germany, entering as a substitute against Austria on Feb. 6 last year and against Belarus in May 27, 2008, then playing the first half against England last Nov. 19.

Because he won't be ready to play for the U.S. in its European friendlies on Nov. 14 and 18, it appears the only game Jones will be able to appear in for the U.S. before World Cup training camp will be on March 3 -- the last international fixture date during the club season.

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