Danilo Gallinari is an international for Italy too (Image credit: Getty)
An NBA Insider has provided a positive update on Danilo Gallinari’s knee injury that he suffered in action for the Italian national team during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The Boston Celtics man who recently joined the franchise from the Atlanta Hawks pulled up with a non-contact injury while in action for the Italian national team as they faced off against Greece in the qualifiers for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup.
Gallinari caught hold of the ball in the arc while counter attacking with the Italian national team when he suddenly pulled up with his left knee devoid of any contact from the Greek national team.
He was instantly taken to the sidelines where a spray was subjected to his concerned knee the Italian could not join the action on the court for the remaining part of the game left.
The injury was met with a lot of attention from the Italian physios, as it originally seemed like Gallinari had done extensive damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of his left leg.
An injury to the ACL would mean plenty of time out on the sidelines for Boston Celtics’ new man, dealing an intense blow to both his and the Celtics’ hopes for the upcoming NBA season.
However, an update on his left knee bore positive news for the athlete.
The update from NBA Insider Shams Charania of the Athletic bode good early news for Gallinari as well as the Celtics.
The update elaborated that the latest exam on Gallinari’s left knee showed that his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is intact, meaning there is no serious damage caused to the Italian’s knee.
However, according to Charania, the full test results from the MRI scan will show the full picture after it is available on Sunday and it will throw further light on the situation, showing the extent of the injury and the time span that Gallinari will be out of action for.
Regardless, the injury not being as mad as feared gives a massive boost to both Gallinari and the Boston Celtics who will hope to have the Italian back in action as soon as possible.