By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Roman Sorkin has returned a positive test for COVID-19, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv announced Monday.
Sorkin, 25, was confirmed as a positive case with a PCR test after displaying symptoms and initially testing positive at home, as noted. The rest of the players and members of the coaching staff will be tested tomorrow, Tuesday.
Barring the detection of a coronavirus spread forcing the upcoming game to be suspended, the Yellows will travel to Turkey to visit defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Anadolu Efes on Thursday. They sit 12th overall at 11-12 in the standings. A gap of 1.5 games separates them from the top eight spots awarding a berth to the 2022 Playoffs ahead of the Regular Season Round 27 contest.
Sorkin, averaging 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds so far in his debut EuroLeague campaign, will be sidelined versus the team coached by Ergin Ataman. In addition, Angelo Caloiaro is considered doubtful due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Jake Cohen is set to compete for the Israel senior national team in the home-and-away series opposite Germany Friday and Monday, after joining Maccabi teammates in the trip to Turkey, as announced. The team coached by Guy Goodes leads Group D of the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers having won the two first games, while Germany is tied with Estonia at 1-1 and Poland ranks last at 0-2.
On Sunday, in the first showing after parting ways with head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos, Maccabi defeated Hapoel Yossi Avrahami Eilat on the road to improve to 10-6 in the Winner League.
Photo Credit: EuroLeague.Basketball.net