LTU – Crocked Kleiza sidelined ‘nine to 12 months’ after knee operation
TORONTO (EuroBasket 2011/NBA) - Lithuania international Linas Kleiza has had knee surgery and appears to be out of the EuroBasket that will be staged in his homeland later this year. A member of the all-tournament team at last year's FIBA World Championship after helping Lithuania capture an unexpected bronze medal, Kleiza played in 39 games and averaged ...
TORONTO (EuroBasket 2011/NBA) - Lithuania international Linas Kleiza has had knee surgery and appears to be out of the EuroBasket that will be staged in his homeland later this year.
A member of the all-tournament team at last year's FIBA World Championship after helping Lithuania capture an unexpected bronze medal, Kleiza played in 39 games and averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds for the Raptors.
His club said in a statement: "The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday forward Linas Kleiza underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday to address both a meniscal tear and chondral defect of his right knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. J. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colorado.
"Due to the nature of the microfracture procedure performed, the recovery time is expected to be nine to 12 months."
The announcement has come several days after the EuroBasket draw in Vilnius, where Lithuania were drawn against defending champions Spain, FIBA World Championship silver medalists Turkey, Great Britain, Poland and one of the teams that advances via the Additional Qualifying Round.
FIBA