By Alex Molina / amolina@eurohoops.net
Barça faces another setback in the form of an injury. Nico Laprovittola, who already missed the last game against Río Breogán due to pubalgia, will be sidelined for longer than expected.
This was confirmed by Xavi Pascual in the lead-up to the game against Hapoel Tel Aviv, who indicated that the Argentine point guard will have to stop playing for an extended period. “There will be an official statement in the next few hours, but Laprovittola will have to stop for a long time. It’s a long and very important absence for the team,” the coach explained.
The 36-year-old player had already been dealing with physical problems since the start of the season, which forced him to miss several games due to adductor injuries. Pascual emphasized the Argentine’s importance to the team’s system: “He’s a player with special talent and a unique playmaking ability. Unfortunately, we’ve lost him on other occasions, and it’s very bad news at a crucial point in the season.”
Regarding the rest of the squad, the coach also addressed the condition of Darío Brizuela, who is recovering well from his injury, although his availability against Hapoel Tel Aviv remains uncertain until the last minute. Pascual also provided details on the recovery of Juan Núñez, who underwent surgery in October. The player continues his rehabilitation process, and the club does not want to rush his return. “We don’t want to set any dates. Starting in April, we will be monitoring the situation to assess when he can gradually rejoin the team. It’s a significant injury, and we must proceed with extreme caution”.
A few minutes later, Barça shared an official announcement, confirming the serious injury. “During yesterday’s training, Nico Laprovittola suffered a complete rupture of the adductor longus tendon in his right thigh. The player will follow conservative treatment and the recovery time is estimated to be approximately three months”.