Mathias Lessort: return to competition further delayed

Injured at the end of 2024, Mathias Lessort (2.06 m, 30 years old) is still away from the court. Speaking to Sport24, his coach at Panathinaikos, Ergin Ataman, gave a clear indication about the duration of his absence. The Turkish coach explained that the French international center would likely not return before November, a setback as the Athens club starts its EuroLeague season this week.

Delayed return for Lessort

After a successful first season with Panathinaikos – marked by a EuroLeague title and a place in the competition’s All-First Team – Mathias Lessort was supposed to continue in 2025-2026. But his fibula fracture has disrupted his plans.

« It’s still too early for him. We hope he’ll be ready by November, » Ergin Ataman told Sport24. The former Monaco and Partizan Belgrade player, a key element in the Athens team’s system, will therefore miss the first weeks of competition.

A blow for Panathinaikos

Lessort’s extended absence is a real setback for the Greek club, which already faces a challenging EuroLeague schedule. While Panathinaikos has strengthened its roster this summer, the French center’s presence is crucial in the paint, as the other players capable of playing at position 5 are Richaun Holmes, Omer Yurtseven, Ioannis Kouzeloglou and Konstantinos Mitoglou.

The coaching staff will have to rely on the other big men while waiting for his return, but it will be a significant challenge to make up for his defensive impact and activity under the basket.