LONDON, March 29: West Indians may not be able to see legendary India batsman Sachin Tendulkar in action during India’s cricket tour of the Caribbean starting in May.

He faces prospect of three months on sidelines, after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder at a London hospital.

Tendulkar, who played in recent drawn Test series against Andrew Flintoff’s England, suffered injury during a match against Sri Lanka late last year.

“His arm will be immobilised in a sling for up to six weeks and it is unlikely he will be fit for selection for international cricket for up to two to three months depending on regular review,” surgeon Andrew Wallace said.

“The surgery proceeded successfully without any complications. At the time of operation we found clear evidence of instability associated with a tear of rim of socket of shoulder joint.

“The tear extended through 75 percent of biceps tendon and had created a large cyst that was impinging on a nearby nerve. Tendulkar underwent arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery to stabilise shoulder joint and decompress cyst.”

The projected recovery period leaves Tendulkar, who turns 33 next month, appearing unlikely to make India’s upcoming tour of West Indies, which starts with One-day International on May 18.

Tendulkar has had a series of injuries during his 16 years of Test cricket, the last — a tennis elbow — keeping him out for six months last year.—Agencies