Neemias Queta injured himself during the Portugal-Spain game, raising concerns for the Celtics
The Portuguese pivot was withdrawn during the match that ended with a victory for his team, with the coaching staff deciding not to take risks with one of their most important players.
Neemias Queta raised alarms for the Boston Celtics after having to leave the match early between Portugal and Spain in the qualifying round for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The Portuguese center was withdrawn during the match, which ended with a victory for his team, and while it is still unknown if there is an injury, the coaching staff decided not to take any risks with one of their most important players.
Queta finished the match with 16 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in over 24 minutes, but could not complete the game. After the match, Portuguese coach Mario Gomes explained that the decision to pull the player was due to precautionary reasons after medical staff detected a risk.
Portugal did not want to take risks with Queta
Gomes was emphatic in explaining the reasons for Queta's exit and stated that the priority was to protect the player rather than risk his health for the sake of winning.
“We still don’t know if he has any problem, but we decided not to take any risk. No risk. Not only because we have a game on Monday, but also because it is about his life, and for me as a coach, the health of the players comes first,” said the Portuguese coach.
The decision came after the physiotherapist and the team doctor informed the coaching staff that there was a real risk. Given that situation, Gomes chose to withdraw the center and avoid any possibility of aggravating a physical problem.
“When there is a risk, we never do anything that jeopardizes the health of the players to win a game. The physiotherapist and the doctor told me that there was a real risk, so we decided not to count on him,” he added.
At the moment, it has not been specified what physical problem Queta may have suffered or which part of his body might be affected.
The Celtics are closely monitoring the situation
The situation also has an element that may partially reassure Boston. According to Gomes, members of the Celtics staff are with the Portuguese national team and are collaborating with the medical team to assess the player's situation.
“We also have Boston Celtics staff here, who I believe are helping our medical team understand the situation,” the coach explained.
The presence of personnel from the American franchise will allow the Celtics to stay informed about Queta's progress and to know firsthand the extent of the problem.
Gomes also expressed his hope that the situation is not serious and that the player will be available for Portugal's next commitment.
“I hope it’s nothing serious and that we can count on him on Monday, and most importantly, that he can continue his career without problems, because he deserves it. He’s a great guy,” he concluded.
Will Queta play against Georgia?
The main uncertainty right now is whether Queta will be able to participate in Portugal's next match. The Portuguese national team will play again on Monday against Georgia in the qualifying round for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
For now, his presence is doubtful, and everything will depend on the evolution of the problem detected during the match against Spain.
Queta had delivered a standout performance before leaving the floor, contributing 16 points and nine rebounds in over 24 minutes.
An important piece for the Celtics
Queta's situation also draws attention in Boston due to the timing of its occurrence. The Portuguese center signed a four-year, $56 million contract extension with the Celtics this summer.
Furthermore, Queta is expected to play a key role again during the 2026-27 season. The 27-year-old player is projected to be Boston's starting center for the second consecutive year, so any physical issue that could affect his preparation will be closely monitored by the franchise.
The renewal confirmed the Celtics' confidence in his development and his ability to become an important part of the team. Therefore, any signs of physical problems during the summer are news that the franchise will follow closely.
For now, however, there is no confirmation of a specific injury.
Gomes' explanation points to a precautionary withdrawal after the medical team detected a risk. It remains to be seen whether Queta will play on Monday against Georgia or if, on the contrary, he will need to rest to recover fully.
In Boston, the priority will be exactly the same: to understand the extent of the problem and to ensure that their new starting center arrives in the best possible condition for the start of the season.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Neemias Queta se retiró lesionado del Portugal-España y preocupa a los Celtics
