NEW YORK (2010 FIBA World Championship) – China’s national team has been beset by injuries to their star center Yao Ming over the years and now Yi Jianlian is facing spell on the sidelines after getting hurt while playing for the New Jersey Nets.

The NBA team has announced that 22-year-old Yi sprained a right knee ligament in Monday’s defeat to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Yi, who is expected to lead China at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, will begin his rehabilitation from the injury though there is no timetable for his return to action.

At the FIBA Asia Championship this summer, Yi averaged 18.3 points and 10.4 rebounds as China won the silver medal.

The 7ft 6in Yao, meanwhile, will miss this entire season with the Houston Rockets after having foot surgery in the summer.

FIBA