PBA: Magnolia battles injury bug in preseason

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MANILA, Philippines—The PBA season is still pretty far off from starting but Magnolia is already dealing with injuries.

Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon and Russel Escoto missed the Hotshots’ game against the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA On Tour on Sunday.

Coach Chito Victolero explained that Escoto had a mishap during one of the team’s training sessions after tweaking his ankle.

“Russell, he has an injury in his ankle, so I think he’ll be out and will have to heal for two or three more weeks. Hopefully, the four guys can join us [soon],” said Victolero at Ynares Sports Center, Pasig, on Sunday.

Aside from Escoto, Victolero was also pertaining to Ian Sangalang, Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva, who were all at the venue in street clothes.

Sangalang has been sidelined since March due to an undisclosed illness while Abueva has been dealing with a knee problem.

“I think Jio can join us in the next or the following game after that. The three guys, Ian, Calvin and Russell are all out for the next two weeks. Calvin [is treating his] knee. I don’t have the proper name of the injury but it’s his knee,” said Victolero.

Fortunately for the veteran tactician, Abu Tratter stepped up with 14 points and seven rebounds.

“He’s (Tratter) a threat on offense and in rebounding plus he helps a lot on the defensive end so [he’s] really a big help.”

The Hotshots—with injuries to boot—will take on Converge in their next outing of the preseason at the same venue on Wednesday.