Shane Larkin out 4 to 6 additional weeks at Anadolu Efes

Anadolu Efes Istanbul will have to do without its captain Shane Larkin for several more weeks. The American-Turkish point guard, a pillar of the Istanbul team, remains in the infirmary due to a persistent groin injury that is complicating his season.

Kasık bölgesinden sakatlığı bulunan Kaptanımız Shane Larkin’in planlı kontrol muayenesi Prof. Dr. Barış Kocaoğlu tarafından gerçekleştirilmiş, yapılan kapsamlı tetkiklerde oyuncumuz için yeni bir cerrahi muayeneye gerek bulunmadığı fakat Kaptanımızın tedavi sürecinin henüz… pic.twitter.com/T8aEt8A7Ma

— Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) March 5, 2026

Reassuring diagnosis but extended absence

Following a scheduled medical examination with Professor Dr. Baris Kocaoglu, the Turkish club confirmed on Thursday that Shane Larkin does not require additional surgery. However, his treatment process is not yet complete, which will keep him off the court for an additional 4 to 6 weeks.

The medical team and coaching staff will continue to periodically evaluate his recovery progress before his return to the court. This official update aims to inform fans and limit external speculation regarding the player’s health status.

Pablo Laso expresses frustration

Coach Pablo Laso did not hide his disappointment with this delicate situation. « As you can expect, this is a difficult situation for our team. We want our captain, Shane Larkin, to return to us in perfect health, and I hope he will join us as soon as possible, » said the Spanish coach.

Laso also mentioned the efforts made to recover his player: « We worked hard to have our captain play in the Turkish Cup, but it was not possible. Even when I joined the team, I knew Shane Larkin would be absent for a while. Now, I hope he returns to us at the first opportunity. »

This groin injury, contracted earlier in the season, had initially seemed to resolve. Larkin had even been declared fit for the Ziraat Bankasi Turkiye Kupasi (Turkish Cup) 2026, but the persistent problem ultimately forced him to miss the tournament.

Before this injury, the two-time EuroLeague champion was having a productive ninth European campaign, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds over 11 appearances. His absence represents a major challenge for Anadolu Efes for the remainder of the season.