NBA: Bulls hope to have Rose back in two weeks

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose. AP FILE PHOTO

CHICAGO, United States—Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose underwent surgery Wednesday to repair his fractured left orbital bone after being hit in the face by an elbow in his first NBA pre-season practice.

READ: Bulls PG Rose to have eye surgery after getting elbowed

The 26-year-old playmaker, the NBA’s 2011 Most Valuable Player, is expected back in a couple of weeks.

“At this time it is estimated he will be able to resume basketball activities in two weeks,” a team statement said.

First-year Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said earlier that he hopes to have Rose in the lineup for the October 27 opener against Cleveland.

“The surgery went as expected,” Hoiberg said. “It’s not structural damage that will keep him out. Once it’s healed, he’ll be ready to go.”

The injury took place Tuesday as Rose was driving to the basket along the baseline and took an elbow to the face from a teammate.

Rose likely will need a mask when he returns to the court.

READ: Bulls’ Derrick Rose out again with knee injury, needs surgery

In the past four seasons, Rose has managed to play only 100 games because of various injuries, including surgery on both knees.

“He’ll be back in no time,” teammate Joakim Noah said.

The Bulls are already without Mike Dunleavy Jr. for at least another two months following back surgery last week.