Panathinaikos is heading to Belgrade for a key EuroLeague game against Crvena Zvezda, and they’ll have some special support on the sidelines. Injured center Mathias Lessort has traveled with the team to cheer them on, showing great team spirit even though he is not medically cleared to play.
🤝 A Strong Show of Team Spirit
Even though he can’t play due to bone swelling in his left leg, Mathias Lessort wanted to be with his teammates. The 30-year-old French center asked the club if he could join them for the trip to Serbia, and Panathinaikos happily agreed. He will be watching from the sidelines to support his team and is also expected to travel for upcoming away games in Paris and Madrid.
🤕 Panathinaikos Hit by Injuries
Lessort’s absence is part of a bigger challenge for Panathinaikos, as the team is facing several injuries, especially at the center position. Richaun Holmes is out for about a month with a serious knee ligament injury, and Omer Yurtseven will miss three weeks with a groin muscle strain. This leaves Giannis Kouzeloglou as the only healthy center. Guard Panagiotis Kalaitzakis is also unavailable due to an elbow injury.
🏀 A Tough Road Ahead
The team faces a tough challenge in this Round 9 matchup. Panathinaikos currently holds a 5-3 record, while their opponent, Crvena Zvezda, is one of the league leaders at 6-2. With a depleted roster, the team will rely on available players like T.J. Shorts II, Cedi Osman, Kostas Sloukas, Jerian Grant, Kendrick Nunn, Juancho Hernangomez, and others to step up in this important game.
