By Carlie Horsley Last updated: 4th September 2008
San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili has undergone anthroscopic surgery to repair an ankle injury which has left him out of action.
The Argentina native, who was part of the bronze medal-winning team in Beijing, will now spend three weeks on crutches following the operation.
Ginobili sustained the injury in the first round of the NBA Western Conference play-offs against Phoenix last season.
Although he was later deemed fit enough to be part of the Argentina Olympic team, he re-injured his ankle in the semi-final loss to the US gold medal team.
He was then forced to retire to the bench for the bronze medal decider against Lithuania.
Following the corrective surgery, Ginobili will return to San Antonio on Thursday.
He will then be re-evaluated and begin rehabilitation ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
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