URUMQI - Chinese international basketball player Abdusalam Abdurexit faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing the ACL in his left knee, his club Xinjiang Flying Tigers announced on Thursday.

The 23-year-old player was injured after falling awkwardly during the CBA game between Xinjiang and Beijing Ducks on December 25.

He was stretchered off court before being taken to hospital for a CT and MRI exam.

"We will discuss a treatment program with sports medicine experts and select the best hospital to help Abdusalam get back to the court as soon as possible," read a statement from his club.

This season, Abdusalam has averaged 16.8 points and 5 rebounds in 20 games, with Xinjiang currently sitting second in the CBA behind Guangdong Southeast Tigers.