AJ EDU has become doubtful for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.
Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario revealed the 6-10 Edu suffered an injury during his most recent game in the Japan B.League, the extent of which is still to be determined by the medical staff once he arrives in the country on Wednesday.
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“We are hopeful that he can still recover in time,” Del Rosario said during a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the home qualifiers against New Zealand on November 21 and Hong Kong on November 24, both at the MOA Arena.
Edu hasn’t played in the current iteration of the national squad under head coach Tim Cone because of his knee injuries.
Del Rosario said Edu needs strengthening in his knee as part of his recovery period, as per the latest communication of Gilas with his B.League ballclub Nagasaki Velca.
“AJ suffered an injury in his last game in Japan. Right now, we are in communication also with the medical team of AJ in the B.League. He needs to undergo strengthening with his knee because AJ has a long history of injuries.
“And once he arrives today, then we will make our assessment with our trainers and medical staff and see from there. It depends on his recovery if he will be available for the window,” said Del Rosario.
Del Rosario admitted the situation was a dampener since Gilas, especially Cone, is very excited to have Edu finally aboard until the injury.
“It’s unfortunate because the injury happened days before coming into this window,” said Del Rosario.
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