The British and Chicago Bulls captain has been out since February 28 but fellow Brit Ben Gordon has helped lead the Bulls' late charge into the NBA Play-offs.

Finch said: "The main thing with Luol is to remain positive.

 

"Injuries are part of the profession and unfortunately he seems to be in a run at the moment, which can happen.

"The key is to keep positive and to do what you need to do.

 

"I'm very proud of everything Luol does and we understand he has a professional career first and foremost.

 

"We are fortunate to have a great relationship with Chicago and are not going to do anything to harm it.

"There's not a lot we can do now but support him.

 

"We know how important GB is to Luol and how much he enjoys it."

Deng watched from the stands last night as fellow Londoners Gordon and Pops Mensah-Bonsu faced each other in the final game of the season at the United Center.

Mensah-Bonsu came off the bench for five minutes as the Toronto Raptors beat the Bulls 109-98.

 

Gordon meanwhile took nine points and two rebounds in 16 minutes.

Mensah-Bonsu also backed Deng to come back strong.

 

He said: "He is having a pretty tough time at the moment with that frustrating injury but I have no worries about him. He is incredibly tough mentally and he will come through it even stronger mentally and physically."

Deng expects to be fit for when Britain will take on Israel, Poland and Turkey in a four nation tournament to be held August 14-16.

 

Tickets for Game On At The O2 are now on sale.