WASHINGTON, December 21 -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming of China will be sidelined at least several weeks after undergoing surgery on his left big toe, the team said in a statement on Monday.

Rockets team physician Tom Clanton performed the surgery that cleaned out an infection in Yao's toe, the team said.

Yao was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, which is common inflammation of the bone caused by bacteria. And he will take antibiotics and rest for several weeks in order to allow the infection to properly resolve itself.

Yao missed the finale of the Rockets' six-game road trip on Sunday, a 76-74 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston went 5-1 on the road trip.

The 2.26-meter Yao is shooting under 51 percent from the floor and averaging career highs 19.9 points and 9.1 rebounds this season.

The Rockets (10-13) recently got Tracy McGrady back after he missed eight games with a back injury. Houston went 0-8 without McGrady.