The Charlotte Hornets will miss their main man in the middle for likely six weeks as center Al Jefferson is set to undergo surgery today, Friday, for a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. 

Jefferson had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) last Wednesday, with his injury being announced the same day in which the Hornets faced the Los Angeles Clippers and lost 122–117, ESPN reported. 

It has been a tough year for Jefferson, who, before being diagnosed with the knee injury, was just returning from an 11-game absence.

Six of those games were because of a groin injury, while the remaining five games were due to a suspension following a violation of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) substance abuse policy. 

Jefferson has yet to find his rhythm since returning and now, he needs to be out again because of the injury. 

In 19 games played this season including 17 starts, the 30-year-old veteran is averaging 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 25.2 minutes played per contest. 

Jefferson's numbers have been on a downhill slope since last season and according to Yahoo Sports, he was aiming to bounce back this 2015–16 season. 

Unfortunately, the former first round draft pick will have to be more patient with all the setbacks he faced and are currently dealing with early this season. 

In his absence, Charlotte will again rely with its remaining big men rookie Frank Kaminsky, Cody Zeller, Tyler Hansbrough, and veteran Spencer Hawes. 

The Hornets are performing well this season and have scored big wins over contending teams. 

Currently, they sit at the ninth spot in the tight Eastern Conference standings with a 17–14 record, just 4.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers who lead the conference with a 21–9 record.

The Hornets' recent loss to the Clippers ended a two-game winning streak but they aim to bounce back today, Friday, when they visit the Toronto Raptors.