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.

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