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| Rhenz Abando is on track of a full recovery from a grueling back injury by late February. KBL (file photo) |
PASIG—Rhenz Abando said that he is recovering well from a back injury caused by a bad fall during Anyang's KBL game against Goyang last month.
According to Abando, he might need at least two more weeks before he could return as he is getting his conditioning back, although he clarified that it does not necessarily mean he can quickly go back to action.
"Right now, mas OK na ako, and almost four weeks na akong nagpapahinga. Hindi ko pa masasabi kung kailan [ako makakabalik], pero kailangan ko pa uli ng two weeks para magpakundisyon. Pagbalik namin ng Korea, magpapa-CT scan ako uli, and then doon ko masasabi kung kailan ako makakabalik," the high-flying wingman said during the Red Boosters' practice ahead of their EASL clash against the TNT Tropang Giga on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
Abando will not be available for the said game, but he joined Anyang in their trip to the Philippines ahead of the game where the winner will boost their hopes of making the EASL semifinals.
Abando said that there is still some lingering pain in his back, especially when he does some strenuous stuff.
"Sa ngayon, medyo masakit pa rin lalo pag bumubuhat ako ng mabigat or may nagalaw ako na medyo nai-squeeze ko yung sa likod ko," Abando continued, although he added that the pain is now down to a moderate level one month after he fell down hard to the floor following a Chinanu Onuaku foul while attempting a follow-up.
The good thing, according to the former University of Santo Tomas and Letran star, is that he can now walk properly.
"Nakakapaglakad naman ako nang normal," Abando said.
Meanwhile, Abando said that if the plans go his way, he would want a late February return, although he admitted that it could make him doubtful for Gilas Pilipinas for the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
"Yung katapusan ng Feb, yun yung hinahabol ko," Abando continued.
"[After ng CT scan], doon na ako mag-start ng paunti-unting workout... Pero hindi ako babalik nang mamadaliin ko kasi mas pipiliin ko yung long-term kaysa sa FIBA."
He added that while he remains open to joining Gilas for the ACQ window if he gets called up to the pool, Abando said that he would rather get back to 100 percent shape before he can play for the national team again.
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