Rio Olympics: Pau Gasol may be out for Spain vs. USA game

In the latest Rio Olympics news, Spain’s big man Pau Gasol may be sidelined for his team’s semifinals game against Team USA due to injury.

NBA star Pau Gasol is also one of the stars of the Rio Olympics for Spain’s basketball team. It’s a possibility that the former All-Star may be out of action for one of his country’s biggest games of the Summer Olympics.

According to NBC Sports, Gasol has been dealing with a calf injury. There’s a possibility it could keep him out of action, but even more possible is that he’ll play in a more limited role due to the injury.

In a report via Eurohoops.net, Team Spain’s head coach Sergio Scariolo told the media, “He is not well, I can not say for sure that he is going to play. We continue with his treatments and the truth is that we needed him right now. We hope his condition to evolve well and at least be ready to help as much as he can his teammates in the game. I can not say anything more right now.”

Gasol, who will suit up with the Spurs this coming NBA season, is considered an integral part of his country’s potential medal run in this latest edition of the Summer Games. His team recently routed Tony Parker’s France squad 92-67 in the quarterfinals. Spain has also been considered the biggest legitimate threat to Team USA at this point in the tournament.

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With that said, their chances at a gold medal will hinge on this game so if Gasol doesn’t take to the court it would be surprising. As of right now, it hasn’t been called a serious injury, so some analysts believe this is merely some sort of head games being played by Spain’s coach ahead of the semis.