Mastroeni hints at Jones' return to starting XI for LA Galaxy reverse leg

Colorado Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni says Jermaine Jones could be available to return to the starting lineup for his team's conference semifinal second leg against the LA Galaxy after the U.S. midfielder featured in the second half of the first leg 1-0 loss at the StubHub Center.

Jones was sidelined for nearly four months of action with a knee injury but managed to play the entire second half against the Galaxy. Mastroeni hopes Jones will be fully fit in about a week, just in time for a crucial second leg.

"There's a possibility that he's ready to go," Mastroeni said, as quoted by ESPN FC. "Having been out for four months, my biggest fear is setting him back with an injury.

"You've got to put chains on him to keep him off the field, but I think tonight is a performance that shows that he's relaxed and not thinking about his knee. He's moving well, making some good plays. Looking forward to a good week of training and we'll see how we go.

"Like everything else it's going to take a little bit of time, but I thought his performance was very good and gave us a boost."

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Jones, for his part, is raring to return and play a part in trying to overturn a 1-goal deficit in this home-away series.

"I feel good," Jones said. "Me and Pablo had a conversation before the game and it was all good so I said, 'OK.' At halftime he comes to me and says, 'Are you ready?' I'm always happy to come back. I'm happy to be on the field and play."