Bono says he may never play guitar again due to injuries suffered in a New York City cycling accident.

The U2 singer suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his left eye socket, shoulder blade and left elbow, when he crashed his bike in Central Park in November. He required hours of surgery after what doctors called a "high-energy bicycle accident."

Writing on the band's website Thursday, Bono said that "recovery has been more difficult than I thought. As I write this, it is not clear that I will ever play guitar again."

He added that his bandmates "have reminded me that neither they nor Western civilization are depending on this."

Bono said he would "have to concentrate hard" to be ready for U2's planned tour later this year.