Ronny Turiaf has been ruled out of action for the near future due to a fractured elbow, the Minnesota Timberwolves have confirmed.

The 30-year-old was injured during his team's 100-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday evening.

Minnesota officials initially suspected a contusion but an MRI scan this weekend has revealed that Turiaf will be on the sidelines for longer than first feared.

Turiaf is unlikely to need surgery on his elbow but reports have suggested that he will be absent for at least the next three weeks.

The Timberwolves signed Turiaf, who won the NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2012, in July.