Toko Shengelia has officially rejoined the Georgian national team in Cyprus ahead of EuroBasket 2025, after a recent health scare kept him sidelined.
The veteran forward, now a new signing for FC Barcelona, had been forced to miss practices earlier this month after an arrhythmia was detected during Georgia’s preparation game against Estonia on August 8.
Following further medical checks in Barcelona, Shengelia has now returned to the national setup, though he will follow a special training program in the coming days, as confirmed by the Georgian Basketball Federation.
The aim is to reintegrate him into full competition while respecting medical protocol gradually.
Currently, Georgia’s roster includes 13 players, meaning head coach Aleksandar Džikić will need to make one final cut before August 27, when EuroBasket tips off.
Barcelona also released an update on the situation, providing reassurance to both fans and the Georgian team about their star player’s condition:
“The Georgian Basketball Federation announced on Monday that Toko Shengelia is one of the 13 players called up to play in the EuroBasket, but that he will be following a special work plan due to an arrhythmia detected after the match against Estonia (August 8).
The new Barça player was in Barcelona a few days later to monitor the arrhythmia under the supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services and to get ready for the competition.
The test results were satisfactory and the player has returned to training with Georgia, following the medical protocol, with a work plan that will allow him to return to international competition progressively.”
Shengelia’s availability is crucial for Georgia, as the team faces a demanding group stage in Cyprus. Drawn into Group C, Georgia will battle against some of Europe’s heaviest hitters – host nation Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite the concerns surrounding his health, the federation and Barcelona’s medical team have expressed confidence that the 33-year-old will be fit to contribute once the tournament begins.
For Georgia, his return represents both a morale boost and a vital piece of experience as they prepare to face a daunting path in EuroBasket.
Toko Shengelia joins Georgia in Cyprus, will train under special program #EuroBasket https://t.co/BVGR9MVOlM
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 25, 2025
