By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Recovering from surgery on his left knee, Alex Abrines has tested positive for COVID-19, FC Barcelona announced Sunday.
Abrines, 28, has yet to play in the 2021-22 season. He was projected to miss four months after the surgery in September.
The latest Barca player entering the COVID-19 list is in good health and isolated at home, as noted in the official update on his health provided by the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and ACB powerhouse.
Nikola Mirotic returned a positive COVID-19 test Saturday. Quarantined according to health and safety protocols, he is not expected to play against Unics Kazan Thursday. Following the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 22, his side is scheduled to take on Real Madrid in a suspended ACB Regular Season Round 16 game Sunday.
Nigel Hayes-Davis, Pierre Oriola, Kyle Kuric, Nick Calathes, Brandon Davies, Nicolas Laprovittola, Sergi Martinez, Dante Exum, and Michael Caicedo along with head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius tested positive from mid-December to early January. They have all recovered.
Captain Oriola additionally dealing with a hip injury shapes another potential missing player for team coached by Jasikevicius.
Sidelined since late November with a left leg injury, floor general Calathes is considered day-to-day.
Barca thanks to a 16-4 W-L tally leads the EuroLeague standings, enjoying a slim advantage over its historic rival, Madrid. Pablo Laso’s side carries a 15-3 record.
Domestically, the Whites with 16 wins in the first 17 games are in front by a margin of three and half games as the Catalonia giant sits at 11-3.