Hu refused to blame the Rockets, however, saying: "Injury is unavoidable in any competitive sport."

"The major task is to avoid further injury," he added.

Sixteen members of China's squad - minus Yao and 2.11-meter (6-foot-11) power forward Yi Jianlian of the Milwaukee Bucks - will gather March 8 for training and play a three-game series against powerful Memphis State, with which China signed an exchange agreement last year.

Yao's backup will probably be former Dallas Mavericks center Wang Zhizhi, the first Chinese player to make it in the NBA who now plays in the Chinese league. The team also boasts center Zhu Fangyu, this year's Chinese league MVP.

China is not considered a major medal contender, but basketball is hugely popular here and Yao's fame ensures the team's progress will be closely followed.

Yao's injuries elicit major concern too among Chinese sponsors and television stations broadcasting Rockets games, since viewership tends to fall dramatically when he is not playing. The NBA's office in Beijing, which has proselytized vigorously for the sport in China, said it had no immediate comment.

At a news conference late Tuesday, Yao said the prospect of missing the Olympics was too horrible to contemplate.

"If I cannot play in the Olympics for my country this time, it will be the biggest loss in my career to right now," Yao said.