Valencia Basket are set to begin the new season under difficult circumstances, with a growing list of injuries already impacting their roster. The most serious setback involves Jean Montero, who will miss several weeks after undergoing surgery for a finger injury.
The Dominican guard had worked hard over the summer to avoid such an outcome, even receiving PRP treatment to be able to compete for his national team.
After returning to Valencia, he briefly impressed with a 23-point outing against Murcia, but a new blow worsened the injury, leaving surgery as the only option.
“Had we opted for surgery in the summer, he wouldn’t have played for his national team, but he would be available for the Supercopa and other games,” sporting director Luis Arbalejo explained to COPE. “We chose the conservative path, but these are decisions our performance department must make.”
Unfortunately for Valencia, Montero isn’t the only absence. Sergio De Larrea, fresh off EuroBasket duty with Spain, has been sidelined with a shoulder problem, though Arbalejo said the team decided against surgery. Nate Sestina, meanwhile, underwent operations this summer to address two hernias.
The injury list continues to grow: Brancou Badio is dealing with a muscular issue that could keep him out for up to four weeks, while Xabi López-Arostegui suffered a fractured finger expected to sideline him for a similar timeline.
“Montero is looking at four to five weeks. Badio and López-Arostegui three to four. So obviously, all three are practically ruled out for the Supercopa,” Arbalejo confirmed. “It’s also very unlikely they’ll make it in time for the EuroLeague double-header.”
Valencia Basket are facing an early-season setback, with several important players sidelined.#EuroLeague #LigaEndesahttps://t.co/bIK7NTG16f
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 19, 2025
