CHICAGO -- Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones' application to switch to the U.S. national team from Germany has been approved by FIFA.
The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the switch in nationality on Tuesday.
Jones, who turns 28 on Nov. 3, has been sidelined since summer by a hairline fracture of his left shin and 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 on 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 exhibitions 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.