An ankle injury suffered by Cedi Osman has become a source of serious concern for Türkiye and head coach Ergin Ataman as the team prepares for a crucial EuroBasket 2025 Semifinal clash against Greece at the Xiaomi Arena on Friday.
The 30-year-old forward was injured during the Quarterfinal win over Poland. Although he initially left the floor for treatment, Osman later returned and contributed with ten points, five rebounds, and two assists across 24 minutes of play.
His determination to continue competing impressed many, but the severity of the injury has cast doubt on his availability for the upcoming semifinal.
“We had meetings with our medical staff all morning,” Ataman told TRT Spor when asked for an update on Osman’s condition. “They are trying to help Cedi cope with the pain and prepare him for the game.”
According to Ataman, the initial fear was far more concerning than the current diagnosis.
“Their biggest concern was a stress fracture. That’s what it looked like. Thankfully, he avoided a stress fracture,” he explained. “He has bone swelling in that area, preventing him from putting any weight on his foot.”
Despite the swelling, Osman reportedly expressed his desire to take the court in any circumstance. But his coach remains cautious about rushing him back.
“He wanted to return to the court in this condition. He will play under any circumstances, but we do not know how effective he can be,” Ataman said. He further stressed that Osman will be kept out of practices until the very last moment. “If he is only at 50%, it is better not to use him.”
The veteran coach emphasized that the decision will depend entirely on Osman’s progress over the next couple of days.
“We will make a decision based on possible progress,” Ataman clarified. “Cedi definitely wants to play, but his injury is serious. He has some time until Friday night, so I hope he can make progress. If the game were today or tomorrow, he surely would not be able to play.”
Türkiye will now wait and hope for positive news regarding Osman’s recovery. With a semifinal matchup against Greece – and the chance to reach their first EuroBasket Final in over two decades – every contribution will be crucial.
🇹🇷 Ergin Ataman updates the injury status of Cedi Osman, heading to a meeting between Turkiye and Greece in the Semifinals #EuroBasket
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 10, 2025
🗣️ “If the game were today or tomorrow, he surely would not be able to play”https://t.co/yFKpo4bbNZ
