Garbajosa Still Waiting For All Clear

21.08.2007

Spain coach Pepu Hernandez is still in the dark about Jorge Garbajosa's availability for the EuroBasket despite the tournament tipping off in less than two weeks.

The 2.07m power forward has been in doubt ever since he broke his fibula, and tore an ankle ligament at the end of March with the Toronto Raptors.

Pepu Hernandez (Spain)
Spain coach Pepu Hernandez admits Garbajosa's status is up in the air.
Garbajosa had surgery almost immediately after and Spain's medical staff have indicated that his rehabilitation has gone so well that he has a chance of playing at EuroBasket.

The Toronto Raptors have monitored closely Garbajosa's recovery, however, and have yet to give the player the all clear.

"I don't know if it is a question of hours, minutes or days," admitted Hernandez.

"I am worried about the group and Jorge is part of the group.

"I see him (Garbajosa) slightly worried."

Garbajosa spoke of the serious nature of the injury before his surgery and admitted he would be fortunate to be fit in time for the EuroBasket.

He has made a remarkable recovery, though, and finally joined his team-mates in training on Monday in Valencia.

Garbajosa will not play in any warm-up game until the Raptors give the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) their consent.

Spain take on the Czech Republic in Castellon on Tuesday before facing Germany on Wednesday in Valencia.