Sloukas extremely doubtful ahead of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament
- Written by C.Athanasatos
Head coach Fotis Katsikaris will most likely have to deal with another important absence ahead of matches against Italy, Croatia and Mexico in Turin (4/9 July), since the recent medical exams confirmed that the 26-year-old international is suffering from a serious footpad injury, which had left him out of action for many weeks during January-February as well.
Fenerbahce's guard is considered to be one of the most important players of our current national squad, especially after the retirements of experienced play makers Vasilis Spanoulis and Nikos Zisis, so the Olympic Qualifying Tournament was going to be his first major tournament with a leading role for Greece.
Of course, the turkish club was also informed about the medical examinations and even they understand Kostas Sloukas' will to represent his motherland, they are not willing to allow him put his health in danger again. Right now, the Euroleage finalists seem to be against the possibility of playing at Turin's games, because they are afraid of another injury at the same place which will knock him out ahead of next season.
However, Fenerbahce's officials and head coach Zeljko Obradovic will most likely accept the international guard and former player of Olympiakos' participation in the Olympic Games of Rio in August, if Greece National Team finally manage to qualify.
Under the current terms, Kostas Sloukas, who will join the national squad on Monday June 20 (without being able to start training with the others) has to rest his leg and follow a physiotherapy program for at least one month, which means that there are not many chances to see him playing at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, in spite of his extreme desire to help.
sdna.gr
