The 27-year-old 6ft 2in point guard could miss the opportunity to help France qualify for next month's European Championships in Poland, a tournament which is set to decides who qualifies for next summer’s World Championships in Turkey, and the 2012 London Olympics, after he was ordered back by his employers because of a mild ankle injury.

 

They are fearful of one of their best players suffering further injuries before the start of the next NBA season.

 

Parker is scheduled to return to Les Bleus next week, but it all depends on the progress of his injured ankle.

 

That means he will mss the match on Wednesday against Italy in the additional qualifying round involving six countries which will decide who earns the final spot in Group-B of the tournament in Poland, which Britain have already qualified for.

 

Parker said: “Honestly, I don’t understand this decision, because of all the tests done with the French doctors and the Spurs.

 

"I regret what is going on.

 

"I am obligated to follow what my club wants me to do but I hope to come back [to France] as soon as possible to participate in the qualification with the French national team."

 

Since being drafted by the Spurs in 2001, he has helped them win three NBA Championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

 

But he is best known for being married to actress Eva Longoria, one of the stars of the ABC television series Desperate Housewives.