JUNE Mar Fajardo admitted having a slight tear on the calf injury that has been hobbling him in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
The eighth-time MVP said the damage was discovered when he underwent ultrasound the day after San Miguel’s 73-71 loss to Barangay Ginebra in the series opener.
“May parang cramping tapos kaunting tear. Pero ok naman,” said Fajardo. “Nagta-tight lang siya. Hindi naman ganun kalaki (tear), pero i-manage lang siya."
Although still not 100-percent, Fajardo played extended minutes Sunday night in Game 3, though his double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds went for naught, as the Beermen lost, 100-90, and fell in the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
READ: Abarrientos' near-triple double sparks Ginebra win over SMB in Game 3
Asked if he’s feeling much better now compared to Game 2 after suiting up for 27 minutes at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Fajardo answered in the affirmative.
“Medyo,” he said. “Ok naman, tight lang nang kaunti, pero hindi naman siya masakit.”
Not in the PBA, hopefully
Reminded that more than a few NBA stars suffered calf injuries that turned into Achilles tears in the just concluded season, including Damian Lilard, Jayson Taytum, and most recently, Tyrese Haliburton, Fajardo went to the nearby huge crucifix at the Big Dome hallway and made a sign of the cross.
“Ay, sana huwag, huwag (naman),” he said.
But he expects to get better from his health, as the Beermen will have two days of rest before Game 4 is played on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“May pahinga kami bukas, two days,” he said. “Malaking bagay para sa akin. Hindi lang ako, pati rin sa mga teammates ko.”
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