Horford missed four months with same injury in 2012.
Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford has been ruled out indefinitely after suffering a completely torn right pectoral muscle during the win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
The 27-year-old underwent an MRI scan on Friday which revealed the full extent of the injury, with suggestions that it will now threaten to end his season given the severity.
“We will work with Al and complete our due diligence to determine the next best steps,” Hawks general manger Danny Ferry said in a statement. “Injuries are part of the challenge of an NBA season.”
Horford left Thursday night’s win in the first overtime with the injury and didn’t return ahead of undergoing further tests on Friday,
The Hawks forward is one of just six players in the NBA leading his team in both points (18.6) and rebounds (8.4) and it is unclear at this stage as to how they will cope in his absence.
Nevertheless, it is a bitter blow for the player and the franchise, with the latter going 16-13 so far this season and looking good for a strong finish ahead of the playoffs.
Furthermore, it will come as another blow for UK fans flocking to the O2 Arena in January, particularly considering the absence of the injured Brook Lopez for the Brooklyn Nets.
Despite sitting in third spot in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks will hope that they are able to cope in his absence and maintain their current playing style and direction.
Having already suffered the injury last year, Horford will hope to make a quick recovery and potentially play some part in the latter stages of the season.
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