By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda faced numerous injury problems before the 2025/26 EuroLeague season opener, with four players unavailable.
The Belgrade side eventually fell at home against Olimpia Milano, and Jasiel Rivero couldn’t finish the game due to an injury in the first half.
Coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos addressed the injuries and noted that the club is searching for a replacement for Isaiah Canaan, who suffered an ACL injury and is expected to be out for an extended period.
“I know the expectations are high, everyone is aware of that. We have quality, but unfortunately also a number of injuries, which happened by chance. Everyone is training properly, preparing well, but sometimes you also need a bit of luck. I don’t want to dwell on the injuries, but we are saddened by Canaan’s serious injury. Rivero got injured today and couldn’t continue; I was told it might be serious — we’ll see how serious it is. The healthy players must keep fighting and give their all. As for Canaan, we are in the market for a player to replace him. We need a guard like him,” Sfairopoulos said.
He also confirmed that Devonte Graham will not be able to debut in Round 2 against Bayern in Munich, having also missed the opener.
“No, he’s wearing a boot, he has a bone bruise, and he’ll need several more days to be ready,” the coach added.