Schalke 04 sporting director Horst Heldt has confirmed that Jermaine Jones will be left out of the squad for tomorrow's Champions League clash with Basel to consider his future.
Jones was criticised by Heldt for his performance in last weekend's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim, as Jens Keller's side let a two-goal lead slip.
Heldt has revealed that Jones will be given time away from the first-team squad this week, while the American international has declared that he needs a knee operation regardless of Schalke's decision.
The 31-year-old told Bild: "It's true that the club has left me out of the squad. I'm using this chance to straighten out my meniscus.
"Regardless of what the club decided now, surgery eventually would have been inevitable because of the persistent pain."
Schalke have won just two of their last six games in all competitions, but did start their Champions League campaign with a victory over Steaua Bucuresti earlier this month.
Liam Power
