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In just the first week of play inside the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga, numerous players have already suffered injuries.
Kevin Racal tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in Alaska’s first game, while San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo dislocated his shoulder in his game against TNT on Friday. Tropang Giga rookie guard Kib Montalbo suffers from plantar fasciitis on a day-to-day basis, while RR Pogoy plays with an ankle injury. NorthPort’s Kevin Ferrer is also limping with a sore foot, while NLEX guard Jericho Cruz missed his last game due to a sprained ankle.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said respected orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Canlas said such injuries were expected given the situation.
“I also called Dr. Canlas, asked him ‘Doc, what is this?’ He replied: ‘Willie, this is expected because they are coming off a seven-month hiatus. So the (game) schedule is too close to each other. It is expected, “Marcial told News5’s Lyn Olavario in Filipino on Monday.
“‘But after some time, the injuries will be less frequent.’ I was alarmed, so I went and spoke with the injured players, ”added the league chief.
Romeo was diagnosed as being out for 6-8 weeks and left the bubble on Saturday. However, Racal is still in the bubble and is not sure when he will receive treatment or if he will undergo surgery, but he is currently registered with The Medical City in Clark.
After the large number of injuries, Canlas headed to the Quest Hotel to consult with the players on Sunday. The commissioner added that most of the teams have maintained an open line of communication with Canlas.
Marcial also shared that no one tested positive in the latest round of COVID-19 testing conducted by Clark Development Corporation.
“I spoke with Sec. Vince [Dizon], and relayed the good news. So I thank you. I told him this bubble would be fine. He replied that as long as we follow protocol, it will be fine, “said Marcial.
Lyn Olavario of TV5 contributed to this report.
