Just as the MetroStars got two all-stars back, they lost another.

Clint Mathis and Manchester United-bound keeper Tim Howard returned from the Confederations Cup in time for today’s game in Chicago, but defender Steve Jolley’s second-degree right hip flexor strain – suffered Wednesday in practice – will sideline him for two months.

Starting next to Eddie Pope, Jolley had been playing the best soccer of his career. But Pope is out the next 3-5 weeks with a fractured kneecap, and now the 27-year-old Jolley joins him on the injured list.

The return of Howard – however short it may be – couldn’t come at a better time for the East-leading Metros (6-3-2).

Howard’s Metro finale was expected to be the 2-1 loss in Kansas City on June 7, but with the U.S. knocked out in the first round of the Confederations Cup, Howard – awaiting his English work permit to play for Manchester United – will start today (4 p.m.; ESPN2 and WADO, 1280 AM) and possibly again Wednesday vs. San Jose.

“You may see me here a whole another season; who knows? I wish I had the answer. There’s so much speculation out there. In soccer, so much goes into deals, which means there’s not a lot of room for error,” Howard said. “It’s hard but you just try to stay focused. Thankfully my job is easy in theory: Just keep the ball out of the net.”

Argentinean Juan Forchetti excelled in his first start last weekend, and newcomer Edgar Bartolomeu, who arrived this week, could play 15-20 minutes on the left. But the central defense is decimated, with persona non grata Joe Addo not having played a single minute.

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The Metros are still talking to keepers Jonny Walker and Joe Cannon.