By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Injured in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Copa del Rey, Sergio Llull was ruled out for the rest of the eight-team tournament and now seems set for an even longer stint on Real Madrid’s injury list.
Llull, 35, suffered an injury to the internal lateral ligament on his left knee, the team announced Monday, following medical tests. Further evaluation will determine a specific timetable for his return to action.
Per the press release: “Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s Medical Services on our player Sergio Llull, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the internal lateral ligament on his left knee. His progress will be monitored.”
On the list of missing players for head coach Chus Mateo before the Copa del Rey in Badalona, the previous entrant in Alberto Abalde (ankle) along with Carlos Alocen (left knee) and Anthony Randolph, both out from the start of the 2022-23 season.
The two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion in 2015 and 2018 and season MVP in 2017-18, Llull was injured in the second quarter of the Spanish Cup quarterfinal opposite Valencia Thursday. The Whites edged out the Oranges and advanced to the semifinals but were then knocked out by Unicaja. The Malaga outfit went on to beat Lenovo Tenerife and capture the title.
Making his way through his 16th campaign in the EuroLeague, all with the team based in Spain’s capital, Llull averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 assists, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.3 steals per contest over 23 appearances. His experience, especially useful in tight games and clutch situations, masterfully helped shape a 16-7 record, half a game behind leading Olympiacos. Efforts in Spain’s Liga Endesa produced 6.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game over 18 appearances.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net