CHICAGO (AFP) - Former National Basketball Association MVP Derrick Rose, who has already undergone two knee operations, will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus on his right knee, the Chicago Bulls announced on Wednesday (Singapore time).

It will be the third operation in three years for Rose, who missed the entire 2012-13 season recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee.

Rose suffered that injury in game one of the Bulls' playoff series against Philadelphia. He made a long-awaited return to the Bulls last season, but had it cut short after just 10 games after tearing the meniscus in his right knee.

Three-time NBA All-Star Rose has appeared in 46 of Chicago's 57 games this season. He has averaged 18.4 points, 5.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds this season. The 2009 league rookie of the year told the team earlier on Tuesday he was experiencing pain in the surgically repaired knee, and an MRI taken afterward revealled the tear.

The Bulls said they won't have a timetable for Rose's return until after the surgery.

Rose' latest knee issue comes with Chicago clinging to a half-game lead on the Cleveland Cavaliers for first place in the Central Division. The Bulls are in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 36-21 record.