Carlos Delfino has been told that he will require a second surgery on his foot and that the latest setback could force him to miss the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer, injured his foot while playing for the Houston Rockets in last season's playoffs and was expected to miss between four and six months.

However, a consultation with specialists in North Carolina confirmed that a second operation was needed and that he could be out for another six months.

"I'm frustrated because I did all the recovery work but my body did not respond as expected," Delfino revealed in a statement released on his website. "I'm still optimistic.

"Now I have to be calm and open to the decision of the professional who can help me in the recovery of my injury. This is worse than I expected but I am sure that I will return to the court."

The Bucks signed Delfino to a two-year deal in the summer despite his battle with the injury.