By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv’s postseason aspirations faced a significant hurdle Monday as the club confirmed that veteran forward Tomer Ginat underwent surgery to address a lingering nerve compression issue in his right knee.
Following the successful procedure, the projected recovery timeline effectively rules the Israeli international out for the remainder of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season. While the club remains hopeful for a postseason return, Ginat has remained in Israel to begin his rehabilitation.
Per the press release: “Tomer Ginat successfully underwent surgery last night at Ichilov Hospital to release a trapped nerve in his right knee. The procedure was performed by Dr. Marga Serafimova. Tomer has begun his rehabilitation process in Israel and will rejoin team practices after completing his recovery.”
The timing is particularly challenging for head coach Dimitris Itoudis. Ginat had emerged as a highly efficient spark off the bench during Hapoel’s debut EuroLeague campaign, averaging 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds over ten appearances in his first season. His absence compounds a growing injury list that includes Tyler Ennis (Achilles), alongside Johnathan Motley and Yam Madar, who are both managing lower-body issues.
Currently sitting fifth in the standings with an 18-11 record, Hapoel remains just two games clear of the Play-In Showdown zone. With the squad recently relocating to Sofia, Bulgaria, they are set for a critical double-week at Arena 8888 Sofia, facing Paris in a suspended Round 21 fixture on Tuesday, followed by a Round 32 clash against Virtus Bologna on Thursday.