David Patrick will go under the knife after a medical scan revealed he had seriously damaged his right knee.

The Bermudian, who plays for the Canberra Cannons in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), has been sidelined for the rest of the season as a result of the injury sustained during a match with the Townsville Crocodiles on Saturday.

Melinda Healy, spokeswoman for the Cannons, said yesterday: "Patrick tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee . . . and will require surgery and extensive rehabilitation before he is able to step back onto the basketball court."

Patrick had an MRI scan on the knee yesterday after which he was advised to wait six weeks before undergoing corrective surgery.

Prior to injuring his knee, Patrick had been a much-needed spark off the bench for the Cannons, giving star player CJ Bruton a rest at crucial periods in the game.

"DP will continue to support his team from the sidelines and at practice for the remainder of the season," Healy said.