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Hornets playoffs blow as Jefferson ruled out for six weeks

(Reuters) - The Charlotte Hornets' playoff prospects were dealt a heavy blow on Thursday when pivotal center Al Jefferson had surgery on his right knee, ruling him out until around mid-February.

The 30-year-old had a tear in his lateral meniscus and "his recovery and rehabilitation is expected to take approximately six weeks", the team said in a statement.

Jefferson was only two games into a return from a prolonged absence when he suffered the setback. He had previously missed 11 games due to injury and a suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.

A selection for the All-NBA Third Team in 2013-14, Jefferson is averaging 12.