BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese player Yao Ming from National Football Association's Houston Rockets has suffered a serious injury to his left foot, which may be "carrer-threatening" for him, team doctor Tom Clanton said Monday.

   During an interview Monday, Clanton disclosed Yao's injury "has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career-threatening."

    Last week the team said the injury hasn't healed and he was out indefinitely. Clanton said the injury had grown worse instead of improving when he went CT scan.

    The 28-year-old suffered a hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone late in a playoff game on May 8 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

    Yao is currently planning to meet with several specialists to consider all possible alternatives regarding his fourth bone injury in as many years.

    The Rockets general manager Daryl Morey refused to comment on this: "We are not going to comment until we have all the facts."

    Since the Rockets already expect its player Tracy McGrady to miss at least the first half of next season after microfracture surgery on his left knee, Yao's injury would be a disaster for the team.

    If the worst fears about the injury are realized the Rockets could be allowed to break the salary cap to sign a new player under the "disabled player exception."

    Yao is due to make over 16 million U.S. dollars next season with a player option for 2010-2011 that would pay him over 17 million dollars. He was the top overall pick by the Rockets in the 2002 draft.

    (Agencies)