JUNE Mar Fajardo has been spared from a serious injury to his right calf, making him available for San Miguel in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup playoffs.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria on Thursday said a check-up done by doctors on Thursday morning ruled out any serious injury after he experienced tightness in the calf late in the Beermen's 73-71 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game One.
READ SMB holds breath as Fajardo suffers calf injury in Game One loss
For his part, San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla said Fajardo is cleared to play in Game Two of the best-of-seven semifinal series on Friday, and will leave the decision on whether to field him the eight-time PBA MVP or not to Austria.
"According to our physical therapist, the doctors have noted tightness in June Mar’s calf muscles, but he is cleared to play and his actual participation for tomorrow will all depend on coach Leo’s discretion," said Abanilla.
Austria said he is open to not fielding Fajardo for Game 2, if it is required to assure his safety.
"Siguro kung maglalaro s'ya, managed [ang minutes]. Pero ang concern ko is 'yung kalagayan niya. I don't care kung hindi siya maglaro as long as mapangalagaan niya ang kanyang injury," Austria said.
"But it depends on the doctor at sa kanya 'yung decision making," he added. "Fortunately, there's nothing serious, walang tear, pero day-to-day basis 'yung status niya. Let's see kung ano mangyayari tomorrow but ongoing 'yung treatment."
There were legitimate concerns about Fajardo’s well-being since calf injuries could take weeks to several months to heal, depending on its severity.
Gilas concerns
Aside from the ongoing title bid of San Miguel in the Philippine Cup, Fajardo is also scheduled to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August.
The Beermen will look to tie the best-of-seven semifinal series after squandering an 18-point second-quarter lead. Fajardo struggled with six points on 3-of-10 shooting and without a free throw attempt, but grabbed 19 rebounds.
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