Jean Philippe out for Saturday; maybe longer

Just weeks after joining the San Jose Earthquakes on loan, Haitian striker Peguero Jean Philippe is already having problems with his surgically repaired right knee, with swelling in the joint ruling him out for Saturday’s match at New England. There is also concern that the problem may keep him out for an extended period.

Jean Philippe was conspicuous by his absence at Tuesday’s training session, but head coach Frank Yallop stated that the striker was back in Miami attending to some personal matters. It now appears that Jean Philippe reinjured the knee some time during Saturday’s 3-2 home loss to Columbus. An MRI has been performed, although no definitive reason has been determined for why fluid is continuing to build up in the knee.

When asked if Jean Philippe’s absence might be long term, a Quakes’ spokesman replied, “It’s possible,” and that San Jose doesn’t know the time table for his return.

Jean Philippe joined the Quakes on April 24 as part of a loan deal with Danish side Brondby. It was while playing in Denmark in 2006 that he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehab. Now it appears as though his return has hit a setback.

Where this leaves the Quakes in terms of finding additional frontline help is unclear. General Manager John Doyle had hinted previously that the way the loan deal had been structured, San Jose had some protection should Jean Philippe suffer another injury, but whether that insurance was financial or otherwise isn’t known at the moment.

I should be hearing from Yallop some time today, so we’ll give you updates as we get them.