Vlatko Cancar: "Fate interrupts my World Cup debut, but I'll return stronger."
During Friday's friendly game against Greece in Athens, Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar sustained an injury that dashed his FIBA World Cup 2023 hopes.
After a powerful dunk, he landed awkwardly on his left leg, prompting assistance from the medical team due to knee pain. Subsequent MRI results on Saturday revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
Slovenian Basketball Federation announced that plans for surgery and rehabilitation are currently being coordinated with his club.
Meanwhile, Cancar conveyed a heartfelt message through the federation channels.
"While I was eagerly anticipating my debut at the World Cup, fate, unfortunately, got in the way of my plans," Cancar said. "There is a lot of disappointment, but injuries are an integral part of the sport, and I have to look forward optimistically. I hold the belief that I'll return to the court even stronger. I want to express my gratitude to my teammates and the national team staff for their unwavering support during these days.
"I extend my best wishes to the national team as they continue their preparations in a positive atmosphere and head decisively to the World Cup. Though I'll be supporting them from a distance, I assure you I'll be their loudest supporter."
Slovenian NT head coach Aleksander Sekulic acknowledged the challenges posed by Cancar's injury, particularly since another forward, Edo Muric, was already absent.
"Misfortune seems to have followed us leading up to the World Cup. After Edo Muric's absence, Vlatko Cancar now faces a similar injury," he said. "Both players are pivotal to the national team, and their absence in the crucial power forward position will undoubtedly pose challenges. While it's a significant setback, we must swiftly regroup.
"Our focus should be on maintaining a positive outlook and uniting even more tightly. It's likely that we'll need to make some adjustments to our game strategy as we search for solutions on the court," Sekulic underlined. "We still have enough time until the start of the championship, and we will roll up our sleeves. We wish Vlatko a speedy recovery."
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