Shaquille O’Neal On The Mend After Undergoing Hip Surgery

Shaquille O’Neal sparked concern after sharing a photograph of himself in a hospital mattress on Sunday … however TMZ Sports has discovered the NBA legend merely wanted to repair a nagging harm, and he is now doing OK.

Our sources inform us the 51-year-old went below the knife over the weekend to have a difficulty along with his hip corrected — and the whole lot went in accordance with plan. We’re advised he is already on the mend.

In a caption Shaq posted together with the photograph — he tagged his “NBA on TNT” colleagues, Ernie Johnson and Candace Parker, saying though he could not be at work, he was nonetheless tuning in to the present.

“Miss y’all,” he wrote.

Parker, a two-time WNBA champ, responded, “Love ya big Fella ♥.”

It’s unclear when Shaq will return to his TV gig — our sources say there is no set time-frame — however in discussing the upcoming process earlier this month on his podcast, “The Big Podcast With Shaq,” he appeared to say he had April 16 in thoughts for when he could possibly be lively once more.

He added on the pod that he was going to go on a weight loss program to get “shredded” after the surgical procedure … and finally reveal an 8-pack!!