Ginobili has ankle surgery

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili had surgery Wednesday to repair his damaged left ankle, but his estimated recovery time was not announced.

Ginobili's ankle will remain in a splint for three weeks, at which time further evaluation will be made.

He injured the ankle during the playoffs last season, but eventually was given the go-ahead to play for Argentina in the Olympics. Ginobili aggravated the injury during a semifinal loss to the United States and did not play in Argentina's victory over Lithuania in the bronze medal game.

Ginobili averaged 19.5 points a game in 74 contests last season.