Carl Tamayo’s injury is bigger than expected.

Changwon LG’s core power Tamayo recently played in the first round of the second round of the 2027 FIBA Qatar Basketball World Cup Asian qualifying round against Jordan as a member of the Philippines national team. He had eight points, one rebound and one assist in 14 minutes and 13 seconds, but left the court with an ankle injury.

Midway through the third quarter, Tamayo’s ankle was broken. Appealing with great pain, he left the court and never returned. In the end, Justin Arana joined the match against Iran on the 30th, except for the entry.

Carl Tamayo's injury is bigger than expected. Photo = Courtesy of KBL ė‚Žė§„ 확대 Carl Tamayo’s injury is bigger than expected. Photo = Courtesy of KBL

Tamayo’s current condition is not very good. He needs four to six weeks of recovery due to ankle ligament damage. It is not known whether he will be able to return in time for the opening of the 2026-27 season, let alone the upcoming off-season training in the Philippines.

Coach Cho Sang-hyun told MK Sports in a telephone interview, “We confirmed Tamayo’s injury status. It’s not good. It is said that four to six weeks of recovery is needed. I don’t know if I can make it in time for the opening of this season,” he said.

LG planned to meet Tamayo in the Philippines and conduct training sessions. However, Tamayo’s injury is deeply troubling. Even if he stays in the Philippines, he can’t train. Even so, there are few people who can manage him properly even if he comes to Changwon.

Coach Cho Sang-hyun said, “I asked you to find the best way for the conditioning part. Tamayo was going to meet in the Philippines for off-season training, but training is difficult under the current circumstances. But even if you go to Changwon, there is no one to take care of him properly. It’s a concern in many ways,” he said.

This offseason of ‘regular league champion’ LG is a series of worries. In addition to Tamayo’s injury, Asem Maray is in poor physical condition during preparation, he has to head to the Philippines with little coordination. Yoo Ki-sang, who has been on the national team for a long time, is not getting many opportunities in the Marjules. The current situation of the three players, who should be key players in the new season, is not so good.

Coach Cho Sang-hyun said, “This off-season is more worrisome than before. Even so, it is something that must be overcome in the end. We will focus on that part as there is not much time left for off-season training in the Philippines,” he said.

[MIN JUN KU, MK Sports Reporter]