Injured Tendulkar out for up to three months

LONDON, Mar 27 (Reuters) India batsman Sachin Tendulkar could be sidelined for up to three months after having keyhole surgery on his shoulder at a London hospital today.

''His arm will be immobilised in a sling for up to six weeks and it is unlikely that he will be fit for selection for international cricket for up to two to three months depending on regular review,'' consultant orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Wallace said in a statement.

''The surgery proceeded successfully without any complications.

''At the time of the operation we found clear evidence of instability associated with a tear of the rim of the socket of the shoulder joint.

''The tear extended through 75 per cent of the biceps tendon and had created a large cyst that was impinging on a nearby nerve.

''Tendulkar underwent arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery to stabilise the shoulder joint and decompress the cyst.'' Tendulkar, who holds the record for most centuries in tests (35) and one-dayers (39), is expected to be discharged from hospital in north west London tomorrow.

He is doubtful for India's test and one-day tour of West Indies, beginning on May 18.

The 32-year-old suffered the injury to his right shoulder during a match with Sri Lanka late last year.

Tendulkar has had a series of back, foot and hand injuries since 1999 mainly attributed to the wear and tear of constant play for over 16 years.

India's most capped player was sidelined for six months last year after surgery on a tennis elbow.

Reuters SI GC2334