MADRID, 15 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis announced on Tuesday his withdrawal for the 2023 World Cup, which begins on August 25, due to plantar fasciitis that prevents him from arriving “fully prepared”.
“It’s hard, I’m responsible to myself and to the Latvian national team supporters, but the decision has been made not to play in the World Cup. After several weeks of recovery and a repeat MRI, my plantar fasciitis foot still prevents me from being fully prepared on the field”, wrote the player himself on his social networks.
Porzingis, the latest NBA star to join the casualties for the tournament hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, leaves Latvia orphaned of its greatest talent ahead of its first presence in a World Cup. The Latvian team is drawn in Group H along with France, Canada and Lebanon.
“This joint decision has been taken by both the medical and technical staff of the national team, as well as by the Celtics team, with the advice and opinion that it is now necessary to continue with the recovery process. It is not a decision easy to take, but I promise I’ll be there and support the team as much as I can.”