Justin Chua’s worst fears have come true.
The 10-year vet has been diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee.
The development was confirmed to Tiebreaker Times by Chua himself while the extent of the injury was divulged by TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa.
“He suffered an ACL tear and a meniscal tear. It’s just too bad. I believe in the guys that we have right now. Next man up,” said Lastimosa.
It’s a huge blow to TNT, who is in a 1-0 hole in the ongoing 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
Just minutes into Game 1 last Sunday, Chua went for a basket but suddenly fell down with 8:46 still on the clock in the very first quarter. It was a non-contact fall.
Chua is scheduled for surgery on Friday and will be out for at least nine months.
This is the second time Chua suffered an ACL tear.
Back in 2015, he blew his left ACL during an alumni league game at Ateneo de Manila University.
With Chua out and the erratic play of Poy Erram, TNT will play ‘small ball’, according to Jojo Lastimosa.
“Kelly (Williams) will be cleared to play on Friday but we don’t know how much we will be getting from him,” said Lastimosa.
“We are ready to play with our small lineup with Calvin (Oftana) at the four and Glenn (Khobuntin) at the three. That is the lineup where Tim (Cone) will have a problem with,” he continued.
“I still have a big lineup and let’s see how it goes.”
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The 2023 PBA Governors Cup Finals is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
