By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The latest disruption in the Real Madrid camp comes in the form of Adam Hanga returning a positive test for COVID-19. The Whites confirmed the positive test Thursday afternoon.
Previously added to the COVID-19 list, head coach Pablo Laso along with players Thomas Heurtel, Fabien Causeur, Vincent Poirier, Guerschon Yabusele, Anthony Randolph, and Juan Nunez. In addition, Rudy Fernandez, Trey Thompkins, Carlos Alocen, and Alberto Abalde are facing injuries.
The Spanish giant has been preparing to host CSKA Moscow tonight (20:45 CET) at WiZink Center. Available healthy players are limited to Nigel Williams-Goss, Walter Tavares, Sergio Llull, and Jeffery Taylor plus younger senior team members Tristan Vukcevic, Sediq Garuba, Urban Klavzar, and Baba Miller.
“The game against Real Madrid is very important, crucial for us,” noted CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis ahead of the Regular Season Round 17 fixture, “Obviously, it is a pity [that Real has COVID cases and injuries]. We want everybody to be healthy, to go to the arena and play [a normal game].”
Hanga, 32, became the latest addition to the COVID-19 list after putting up 5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per contest over 16 appearances in the 2021-22 Regular Season. He started all 16 games up to this point. At the domestic level, he produced 8.1 points, three rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest over 13 appearances.
The team based in Madrid currently sits second in the EuroLeague standings. The 13-3 W-L tally is one and a half games shy of the leader and archrival FC Barcelona. Meanwhile, the 13-1 record leads the Spanish League standings.