Sania out of action for at least a few weeks

Hyderabad, March. 2: Sania Mirza has been ruled out of action for at least a few weeks with medical reports today indicating "a possible Anterior Cruciate Ligament" injury to her right knee.

The 20-year old Indian, who sustained a hyper-extension of the knee during her first round match in the Qatar Open in Doha earlier this week, had laxity of the ACL, the doctor treating her at a local hospital said.

"The MRI scan of the knee joint indicates a possible ACL injury," Dr. Hariprasad of Apollo Hospitals here said.

"Sania was complaining of extreme pain in the knee with swelling and on examination (it was found that) she had laxity of Anterior Cruciate ligament.

"As the joint is painful, she will be examined under anaesthesia and then further course of action will be decided."

The full extent of the injury and the recovery time would be known only after a complete examination, Hariprasad said.

An athlete who has suffered a simple ACL injury could undergo physiotherapy and return to action within a few weeks.

But in case of an ACL with a tear, it could take anywhere between three and six months, a medical expert said.