Two of China’s stars have pulled out of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers’ Clark window due to nagging injuries.
Yi Jianlian and Guo Ailun, along with Wang Zhelin, will not take part in the Qualifiers.
CGTN reported the development.
Official: Yi Jianlian, Guo Ailun and Wang Zhelin have left national team training camp due to long-term injury issues. They will probably miss the @FIBA Asian Cup & Olympic Qualifers. @hoopnut @el_baloncesto @gobluetree629 @EASLofficial @y_takefield @JPN_Basketball pic.twitter.com/8T5b3COTJN
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) June 10, 2021
Yi, who last played in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
“I have undergone three operations on my legs since last August, and have been in a rehabilitation process,” the 6-foot-9 former NBA pro said.
“It’s difficult during the pandemic, as we cannot have many warmups like before, and will play matches abroad without complete preparation, so I feel I’m not at the level to compete.”
Guo, on the other hand, has been nursing a heel injury. Meanwhile, Wang suffered an injury during their training camp.
Last week, Du Runwang, Qi Lin, He Xining, Yu Jiahao, and Wang Shaojie have been cut from the team as well.
China takes on Japan on the 16th, Chinese-Taipei on the 17th, Japan again on the 19th. They then close their campaign against Chinese-Taipei on the 20th.
China will also compete in the Victoria Olympic Qualifying Tournament from June 29 to July 4.
