Houston center Yao Ming will have surgery on his broken left foot next week. He’s had foot problems in the past. This time the surgery will involve a bone graft in the navicular bone of Yao’s left foot in order to promote bone regeneration. Additonally, Yao Ming will have a surgical procedure designed to reduce the arch in Yao’s left foot by realigning and restructuring the bones in the foot, similar to center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in 2001. Here’s Yao Ming’s statement:

After much thought and reflection, I have decided to have surgery on my left foot. This surgery will allow me to continue my career playing basketball and I look forward to returning to the court. I would like to thank everyone who sent me their best wishes. I am very grateful to have the support of teammates, friends and fans as I dedicate myself to making a completely successful recovery.

No timetable was set for his return, but Yao Ming is expected to miss next season. Yao is expected to be available for the team’s training camp in 2010. We were looking forward to seeing in action next season and the all star game.

Yao Ming has foot surgery – out for next season,br>