Yao Ming to undergo left foot surgery

Veteran Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has decided to undergo surgery on his fractured left foot and likely will miss the 2009-10 season, the team said Friday.

The 7-foot-6 all-star suffered the injury during Houston’s 89-70 Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.

After much thought and reflection, I have decided to have surgery on my left foot, Yao said in a statement on the team’s Web site. I am very grateful to have the support of teammates, fans and friends. I dedicate myself to making a completely successful recovery.

Yao missed only two of 246 games in his first three NBA seasons, but has suffered numerous injuries since then — including a broken bone in his left foot in 2006, a right knee injury in 2007 and a stress fracture in his left foot. He played 55 games in 2007-08.