Boston Celtics heart Neemias Queta exited Portugal’s win over Spain early on Friday throughout a 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier attributable to a doable damage.
Portugal head coach Mario Gomes mentioned the choice to take away Queta was precautionary after the medical employees decided there could possibly be a threat in permitting him to proceed.
“We nonetheless don’t know if he has any issues or not, however we determined to not take any dangers. Zero threat. Not solely as a result of now we have a sport on Monday, but additionally as a result of it’s his life and, for me, as a coach, the gamers’ well being comes first. When there’s a threat, we by no means do something that jeopardizes the gamers’ well being to win a sport,” Gomes mentioned about Queta.
“The physiotherapist and the physician advised me there was an actual threat, so we determined to not use him anymore. We even have individuals from the Boston Celtics employees right here, who I believe are serving to our medical staff perceive what’s happening. I hope it’s nothing severe and we are able to rely on him on Monday and, above all, that he can proceed his profession with out issues, as a result of he deserves it. He’s an awesome man.”
The character and severity of Queta’s potential damage stay unclear, and his availability for Monday’s qualifier in opposition to Georgia has but to be decided.
Earlier than leaving the sport, Queta recorded 16 factors, 9 rebounds and two steals in additional than 24 minutes.
He signed a four-year, $56 million extension with Boston this summer season and is projected to stay the Celtics’ beginning heart for the 2026-27 season.
