Elson Out Six Weeks With Fractured Orbital Bone

ALMERE, Netherlands -- San Antonio Spurs center Francisco Elson left Holland's national team Wednesday after he was diagnosed with a fractured eye socket that is expected to sideline him for six weeks.

ElsonElson sustained the injury from an elbow to the face during the Netherlands' 77-72 European Championship victory over Belarus in Almere, near Amsterdam, last week.

He also played Saturday as the Dutch lost at Slovakia, 80-75, But medical staff became concerned when Elson complained of double vision. On Tuesday, he consulted an eye specialist in Rotterdam, who performed a scan and determined Elson had suffered a fractured orbital socket.
After consulting with the Spurs and their medical staff, the national team sent Elson home to undergo treatment from the NBA champions' doctors.

It is believed that Elson will be unable to play for six weeks. That would still allow him to join the Spurs early in their training camp.

"Six weeks is average for an injury like this," said Dutch national team doctor Erik Jager. "The scan showed he has a little fracture at the bottom of his eye socket. At that time, I said he could not play any more and Francisco called his agent, who spoke with the Spurs. They called him directly to the States. I do not think Francisco needs to have an operation but, if he does, they want him to have it there.

"Francisco is very sad about this," Jager said. "I spoke with him today and he wanted to stay here to have treatment so he could support the team. He still wants to come back in one week to support his teammates."

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source : sports.espn.go.com