That also means the world No 1 pair will not be defending their Gold Flake Open title in Chennai, nor will they try and better their 1999 Australian Open final loss. Moreover, Bhupathi will also miss the Davis Cup tie against Lebanon in February next.

Bhupathi, who is now in New York, is recovering comfortably, according to his uncle and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Bhupathi. Talking to The Indian Express from New York, Dr Bhupathi said, ``Mahesh is recovering and will be seeing the surgeon who operated on him (another one) in about a week. After that and his follow-ups, he will be able to say in about a month how long he will be out of action.''

Dr Bhupathi added: ``Mahesh would probably be out for a few months, though the exact period cannot be ascertained now.'' Dr Bhupathialso said that what Mahesh had was an ``impingement or instability in the right shoulder.''

Bhupathi's father, CGK Bhupathi talking from Bangalore, said it was much too early to say when he would play. Paes, talking about the duo after his quarter-final match at the ATP Challenger here said, ``In my mind, I do not think Mahesh will be back for a couple of months at least.''

Added Paes, ``I have not been able to speak to Mahesh directly, as we have missed each other with his being in and out of hospital. I have learnt from different sources about Mahesh's injury and that he may not be well enough in time for the Davis Cup tie."

Paes however refused to comment on any specific person he had in mind to partner him for the Gold Flake Open and Australian Open, at the very least. ``I do have someone in mind, but cannot comment on who that is right now.'' He said, ``I am looking for a long term partner for as long as it takes, someone who will carry me through the early rounds of events if need be.''

``Themost important thing for Mahesh right now is his recovery and that is what he must look to. He's got to be smart not to come back too soon and injure himself again.''