Los Angeles  - Al Jefferson's season appears to be over after an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test on Monday confirmed that the Minnesota Timberwolves' centre has a torn right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the club announced on its website.

Jefferson, averaging team-highs of 23.1 points and 11 rebounds per game, suffered the injury in Sunday's 101-97 loss to New Orleans, when he came down awkwardly on his right leg while trying to block Sean Marks' shot underneath the basket.

"This is an unfortunate situation for Al and we wish him a quick recovery," Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale said. "Al has been playing at an all-star level all season and has been our go-to-guy on the court."

Though no date for surgery has been set, McHale is confident his fifth-year star will bounce back.

"Knowing Al, he will work hard in his rehab efforts to get back on the court as soon as possible," he added. "In the interim, I'm confident that the other players on our roster will step up and meet this challenge."

Jefferson is one of three players (along with Orlando's Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan of San Antonio) to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game this season. (dpa)