Anderson Silva has a shoulder injury © Getty Images Enlarge

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will almost certainly be out of action until 2012, according to his manager Ed Soares.

Silva injured his shoulder during his preparations for a UFC 134 bout against Yushin Okami, which he won via second-round TKO.

The Brazilian will undergo a spell of rehab in order to treat the problem - but will not require any surgery.

No opponent has been set for Silva's return, but he is expected to face the winner of the clash between Brian Stann and Chael Sonnen at UFC 136.

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