Cedi Osman doubtful for EuroBasket 2025 semi-final
Turkey holds its breath before its EuroBasket 2025 semi-final. Cedi Osman, a key player of the Turkish national team, is suffering from an ankle injury that worries both medical and coaching staff. The 30-year-old forward got injured during Tuesday’s quarter-final against Poland, but managed to return to the game and finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 24 minutes.
Injury more serious than expected according to Ergin Ataman
Turkish head coach Ergin Ataman expressed concern about his star player’s health condition in an interview with TRT Spor. « We had meetings with our medical staff all morning, » explained the 59-year-old coach, « They are trying to help Cedi manage the pain and prepare him for the game (on Friday). »
Medical examinations revealed the exact nature of the injury. « Their biggest concern was a stress fracture. That’s what it looked like. Fortunately, he avoided a stress fracture, » Ataman specified, « He has bone swelling in that area, preventing him from putting weight on his foot. »
Despite the severity of his injury, Osman shows unwavering determination to play this crucial semi-final against Greece at the Xiaomi Arena in Riga. « He wanted to return to the court in this condition. He will play regardless of the circumstances, but we don’t know how effective he can be, » added the Turkish coach.
Last-minute decision expected
Osman’s participation remains pending final medical evaluations. « He won’t train until game day, » confirmed Ataman, who refuses to take unnecessary risks with his star, whom he coaches at Panathinaikos Athens. « If he’s only at 50%, it’s better not to use him. »
« We will make a decision based on possible progress, » clarified the Turkish coach, « Cedi definitely wants to play, but his injury is serious. He has time until Friday night, so I hope he can improve. If the game was today or tomorrow, he surely couldn’t play. »
This uncertainty represents a major challenge for Turkey, which heavily relies on its forward’s experience and talent to hope for a place in the EuroBasket 2025 final.
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