Nikola Mirotic's hospital stay extended for hematoma removal

Nikola Mirotic checked into the hospital last Wednesday for an emergency appendectomy and ended up staying a few extra days for a hematoma removal, the Bulls announced Tuesday.

He’s expected to be discharged in the next few days and no timetable has been set for his return, the team said in a release.

Mirotic was originally expected to miss three weeks and return following the All-Star break, but it’s unclear now whether the surprise surgery will keep him out even longer.

He tweeted out this photo on Thursday:

The Bulls have been undermanned in the frontcourt since Joakim Noah went down with a season-ending shoulder injury Jan. 15.

Mirotic, a first-team All-Rookie selection last season, has struggled to provide the offensive boost that first-year coach Fred Hoiberg likely hoped for when he elevated Mirotic into the starting lineup prior to the start of the season. He’s averaging 24 minutes and 10.6 points per night.

The Bulls, 1-2 in Mirotic’s absence, will continue their seven-game road trip Wednesday night when they take on the Kings.

Stats via ESPN