Yao is China's best-known athlete and has contracts with several Olympic sponsors including McDonald's and Coca-Cola. He is believed to earn about 25 million U.S. dollars alone in sponsorship deals and is being heavily marketed across China in the run-up to the Beijing Games.

The 28-year-old Shanghai native will not engage in any commercial activities during his treatment in Beijing, Sina.com reported yesterday.

He will fly back to the US after his treatment and is expected to return to the national team in late June or July to prepare for the 16-day Games.

China's other key basketball player, Milwaukee Bucks forward Yi Jianlian, is also under a cloud with a wrist injury.

"I hope his condition is fine," Yao said. "His injury will be a big blow for the whole squad if his condition is getting worse."

Yao said he plans to see his fellow players on the national team and talk with coach Jonas Kazlauskas on strategy for the Beijing Olympics.

【体坛英语资讯：Pain-free Yao back on track for Games】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：China prepare for Asian Cup semi-final showdown: coach

★ 体坛英语资讯：Totti denies considering Italy return

★ 娱乐资讯：Pitti: Dirk Bikkembergs underwear madness

★ 体坛英语资讯：Wang Nan still has something to prove

★ 体坛英语资讯：Spurs cruise past McGrady-less Rockets

★ 体坛资讯：Spanoulis insists his Rockets days over

★ 体坛英语资讯：Serena brushes Schnyder aside for Bangalore Open title

★ 体坛英语资讯：Valencia overcomes Barca 3-2 to reach Cup final

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing National Stadium designers win award

★ 体坛英语资讯：Harris says Yi will be all-star in NBA