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Injury sidelines Wildcats star Daniels

DeAndre Daniels in action

High-profile Perth Wildcats import DeAndre Daniels is in doubt for the start of the NBL season after having surgery to repair his injured right elbow.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Wildcats from the NBA’s Toronto Raptors on a season-long loan deal, is expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

The Wildcats start their championship defence at home to New Zealand on October 10.

Daniels had surgery this week to remove a small bone fragment from the elbow and is expected to be discharged from hospital later today.

He will re-join his teammates within a week.

The injury was revealed during the Wildcats’ initial screening process of its new players.

Daniels was taken by Toronto as a second-round NBA draft pick this year and was sent to Australia to develop his game and physical attributes.

He joined Perth as a replacement for NBA-bound James Ennis, who signed a contract with Miami Heat after thrilling NBL crowds and winning the Wildcats’ club MVP award last season.

The Wildcats will play their first pre-season game against the SBL All Stars on Friday.