French guard Tony Parker has to stay in the United states before backing home due to an ankle injury, the San Antonio Spurs said on Saturday.

Parker sprained his right ankle while playing for France against Austria on July 23 and was examined by the NBA team's medical staff on Saturday.

The French international was advised to stay for rehabilitation and is expected to rejoin the French national team next week.

Parker, however, will not be available for France's Euroleague Championship qualifying round game with Italy on Wednesday, according to the Spurs' website.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2009)