Mathias Lessort: Panathinaikos remains cautious, French center to miss preseason

After suffering a fibula fracture in late 2024, Mathias Lessort (2.06m, 29) managed to return for the EuroLeague Final Four. However, he hasn’t played an official game for Panathinaikos since then, missing both the Greek playoffs and EuroBasket 2025 with the French national team. As the season approaches, his return remains delayed.

Delayed return despite reassuring tests

Arriving in Athens for new medical tests, Mathias Lessort received reassuring news. According to Greek media, the examinations revealed no major issues. However, the club prefers to handle his case with utmost caution. The French center is currently training individually, without pushing too hard, to avoid any risk of relapse.

🚨 Panathinaikos got some positive news as Mathias Lessort’s medical tests in Athens came out clean. The French center has been training individually to avoid setbacks, with the club handling his recovery very carefully.

However, he won’t travel with the team to Australia and is… pic.twitter.com/O8gOWcBwPi

— 5th Quarter (@5th_Quarter_) September 8, 2025

No Australia tour

As a result, Panathinaikos has decided to proceed without their star center for the preseason tour in Australia. The former Monaco and Partizan Belgrade player is expected to miss most of the preseason before gradually returning to team activities. Athens supporters and EuroLeague fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him back in action.

Goal: Being ready for EuroLeague

Lessort’s absence during preseason isn’t overly concerning for the staff. Panathinaikos primarily wants him operational for the EuroLeague tip-off. With his physical impact and consistency, the French center remains a key piece in the Athens team’s project, a declared candidate for the European title.