By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Playing without Vasilije Micic is a challenge for Turkish Airlines EuroLeague back-to-back champion Anadolu Efes. But the MVP of 2021 and 2022 Final Fours and 2020-21 season MVP, is on his way back to the team coached by Ergin Ataman.
“Micic has started individual practice. He is continuing therapy also. The situation is better the last two or three days,” the 57-year-old Turkish play-caller updated the status of the Serbian superstar following the away win against Panathinaikos Thursday, “At the beginning of next week, he will start team practices. And if he feels comfortable, I think he will start to play.”
Micic, 29, has been sidelined for one month with a knee injury. His last appearance was in the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 23 loss to Olympiacos in Peace and Friendship stadium.
“The problem is that two times he started to practice but immediately again had this problem in his knee. And it was a big problem,” Ataman revealed further setbacks keeping Micic on the injury list, “Doctors said that surgery is not necessary right now. I hope with the therapy he will come back with the team.”
Back in Greece for Round 26 and now packing two wins in a row, the Istanbul outfit sits at 13-12 in Europe’s premier club continental competition. After facing Frutti Extra Bursaspor Sunday to resume the BSL Regular Season following the break due to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, Efes will deal with a demanding and crucial two-game week in EuroLeague with an away fixture opposite Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and a home challenge versus Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv next Wednesday and Friday, respectively.
Micic has tallied 16.8 points 5.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per contest over 23 appearances in the 2022-23 edition of EuroLeague.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net