Panathinaikos center Mathias Lessort underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured fibula in his left leg. The procedure was performed at HYGEIA hospital on Friday morning by team doctor Athanasios Konidis.
The French big man sustained the injury during Panathinaikos’ EuroLeague victory over Baskonia on December 19. The team confirmed the injury and expressed support for Lessort, wishing him a quick recovery.
Fibula fractures are a serious setback for professional athletes, often requiring six to eight weeks for the bone to heal. However, returning to peak performance typically involves an extended rehabilitation period of three to four months, depending on the severity of the injury and individual recovery rates.
Lessort has been a pivotal player for Panathinaikos this season, averaging 13.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in EuroLeague action. His absence will be a significant blow to the squad as they look to maintain momentum in a highly competitive season.
Panathinaikos delivered two dominant performances this week, defeating Olimpia Milan 103-74 and Baskonia 104-69. Kendrick Nunn spearheaded the team’s resurgence with back-to-back standout performances, scoring 39 points against Milan and 26 points against Baskonia.
Despite the team’s stellar performances, Lessort’s injury cast a shadow over the Greens’ success. The incident occurred during the second half against Baskonia, leaving both teammates and fans in shock.
Head coach Ergin Ataman expressed concern not only for Lessort but also for a fan who reportedly suffered a heart attack after witnessing the injury. “It was a very strange night, and it’s hard to focus on the basketball we played,” Ataman said.
Panathinaikos is now faced with the challenge of adapting to Lessort’s absence. His contributions on both ends of the floor have been crucial to the team’s success, making his recovery timeline a critical factor for the squad’s EuroLeague aspirations.
As the reigning EuroLeague champions, Panathinaikos aims to build on its recent victories while rallying around Nunn’s inspired performances. However, replacing Lessort’s presence in the paint will be no easy task. The Greek giants are currently sixth in the EuroLeague with 10 wins and 7 losses.
