ANTIPOLO – Juan Gomez de Liano could be out for a while, including Converge's next game against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, due to a bone contusion in his right knee.
Gomez de Liano was ruled out for the second straight time in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup due to the injury, and it looks like he will continue to sit out more games.
“Bone contusion against Terrafirma. It's going to take awhile to heal,” Gomez de Liano said.
READ: Lassiter, Trollano help San Miguel outlast Converge in thriller
Gomez de Liano said he will take a patient approach to the healing process as he was still feeling pain exactly 11 days after he got the injury in the 111-100 overtime loss to Terrafirma on March 14.
“I thought I will be back in a week. But there is still pain in certain movements so I'm not rushing it,” said Gomez de Liano.
With no definite timetable, Gomez de Liano could be out against Barangay Ginebra, a team that he faced and nearly beaten by himself during the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup only for Stephen Holt to knock down a buzzer-beating three-point shot in the do-or-die game last December.
Gomez de Liano averaged 27.5 points in the two quarterfinal games against Barangay Ginebra last conference.
“Knee to knee siya. Malakas ang impact. Adrenaline lahat kaya I played the rest of the game (against Terrafirma). After the game, I was so sore,” said Gomez de Liano.
Online resources state that a bone contusion normally heals for at least two weeks depending on the severity, but Gomez de Liano assured that it is not a serious case.
“It's not a major (injury) but it will take awhile to heal,” said Gomez de Liano.
Despite his condition, Gomez de Liano isn't totally downplaying the possibility of playing in the next game which will be four days after Wednesday's contest.
The FiberXers are in a hole after beating defeated by San Miguel, 103-99, last Wednesday night for their third straight loss in their fourth game of the conference and ahead of the match-up against Barangay Ginebra.
“We will see. I'll take it day-by day. I'll allow it to heal by itself. I'm so eager to get back and help the guys,” said Gomez de Liano.
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