By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
According to Le Parisien, Victor Wembanyama will not take part in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament. The 20-year-old star is therefore not expected to be included in the extended 20-man roster set to be announced this Friday by France head coach Frédéric Fauthoux.
Wembanyama’s entourage reportedly described his status as being “in unfavorable balance,” and his absence now appears all but certain. The vice-Olympic champion has not played since February due to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his shoulder and has yet to return to full-contact training.
While San Antonio Spurs president RC Buford recently told L’Équipe that Wembanyama is “very close” to resuming collective practice, both the player and the franchise are apparently taking a cautious approach. With NBA training camps beginning just days after the EuroBasket ends, the risk of aggravating the condition could be too high.
“I don’t know yet,” Buford said when asked about the possibility of Wembanyama joining the national team. “I think it’s still too early. It’s going to depend heavily on how his health progresses.”
It seems that Wembanyama, despite his strong commitment to the French national team, is prioritizing his long-term health and getting back to the court at 100%.
His expected absence, combined with the already confirmed withdrawal of Rudy Gobert, puts the French coaching staff in a difficult position as they prepare for a major international tournament without their two cornerstone big men.