Fajardo still ready to play in Fiba Asia Cup if calf injury improves

Photo by: Tristan Tamayo/Inquirer.net

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo hasn’t ruled himself out of the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon just yet.

Fajardo is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a strained right calf he suffered on Wednesday in a win over TNT, but there is still a slight possibility that he could play for Gilas Pilipinas.

“[The moment I feel better] of course, I’ll play,” Fajardo told reporters in Filipino after the Beermen lost to the Star Hotshots, 104-98.

“It’s painful. The result appears to show that it’s on my old tear and it’s being overused and painful,” he said.

Fajardo will be joining his Gilas teammates when they leave for Lebanon early Sunday morning.

“Of course, I’ll go with them and if I feel okay, I’ll play,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo added he has the go-signal from SMB to play for Gilas but knows he has to be careful not to worsen his injury.

“Of course, it’s my future and it would be hard if I end up prolonging my recovery from the injury. Of course I want to play.”

SMB coach Leo Austria also has no problems with Fajardo possibly seeing action in the Fiba Asia as long as he’s not feeling any pain.

“We advised him to play if he’s not feeling any pain, but he has to think of his future because it’s recurring when it comes to the hamstring or calf unless it’s fully healed,” said Austria. “But the only way for it to fully heal is through rest.”