Real Madrid Confirms Serious Achilles Injury for Usman Garuba

Real Madrid confirmed on Monday the worst-case scenario regarding Usman Garuba. The Spanish international suffered a complete rupture of his left Achilles tendon after being injured during the EuroLeague Final Four semifinal against Valencia Basket, a devastating blow for Sergio Scariolo's squad at this critical stage of the season.

The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter of the match played in Athens. Garuba went to set a screen for Theo Maledon and, after continuing toward the basket, immediately fell to the floor, clutching his Achilles tendon area. The center attempted to get back up, but could barely put weight on his left foot and eventually left the court with help from his teammates.

Hours later he was seen in a wheelchair in the Greek capital, while Real Madrid awaited the definitive medical tests upon returning to Spain. Finally, the club issued a statement confirming the complete rupture of the left Achilles tendon and announcing that the player will undergo surgery in the coming days.

The injury represents a massive blow to Real Madrid, especially for a roster that was already severely depleted in the frontcourt. Sergio Scariolo faced the EuroLeague final against Olympiacos without being able to count on either Edy Tavares or Alex Len, and now also loses Garuba for practically the entire next season.