Punter and Evbuomwan out: Barcelona faces difficulties in Athens

The Barça faces a crisis in personnel after confirming on Monday the extent of the injuries sustained in the victory against Río Breogán (99-91). Two significant absences arrive at the worst time, just when Aleksander Sekulic's team has to visit Panathinaikos in round 11 of the Euroleague.

Punter out for six weeks due to ankle injury

Kevin Punter, captain of the azulgrana team, was injured in the second quarter after a fall while fighting for a ball. The American shooting guard had scored six points in 12 minutes when he had to leave the court and could not return in the second half. Medical tests conducted on Monday confirmed a sprain in the syndesmosis of his left ankle, with an estimated recovery time of around six weeks. His absence is a significant blow for the team, both defensively and in terms of leadership on the court.

Evbuomwan misses three weeks due to abdominal tear

Tosan Evbuomwan, a British power forward, suffered his injury three minutes before the end of the third quarter after receiving a blow to the rib area. The player also did not return to the court in the final minutes. Medical examinations detected a muscle tear in the oblique of the abdominal wall, with an estimated recovery time of about three weeks. This injury reduces the rotation options within the azulgrana's frontcourt.

A treatment room that was already full

The two new absences add to those of Yoan Makoundou, Juan Núñez, and Umoja Gibson, who were already unavailable for the match against Breogán. Núñez has been struggling with an ankle sprain since the end of October, while Gibson is also still sidelined. According to previous reports, it was expected that Núñez and Gibson would be available for this week's commitments, although the overall situation in Barça's treatment room is considerably complicated.

Barça's relentless schedule

The azulgrana team arrives at round 11 of the Euroleague with a record of 7-3 and four consecutive victories in the European competition. The last of these was in Hapoel's court, winning 90-93. However, the coming days will be crucial to maintain the positive momentum. Barça will visit Panathinaikos on Friday, November 13, at 20:15 local time at the OAKA, in a highly demanding match. The Greek team, led by Zeljko Obradovic, has a record of 8-2 in the continental competition.

After the trip to Athens, the schedule offers no respite. On Sunday, November 15, Barça hosts Monbus Obradoiro in the Endesa League at 17:00. Just two days later, on Tuesday, November 17, the azulgrana team plays at the Palau against Paris Basketball in round 12 of the Euroleague at 20:30. Three commitments in six days that test Aleksander Sekulic's management abilities at a time of maximum vulnerability due to injuries.

The absences of Punter and Evbuomwan force the azulgrana coach to rethink his tactical schemes and to seek solutions with the available rotation. The experience gained from the seventh consecutive victory between the Euroleague and the Endesa League should serve as a foundation to overcome this challenging period. Barça will need to demonstrate their adaptability in a week that will be key to maintaining their aspirations in the top European competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Punter y Evbuomwan fuera: el Barça se complica en Atenas