Serbia's Borisa Simanic lost a kidney after a blow during World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Even though it was initially announced that Simanic's health was not put at risk, new information indicates that the player ultimately lost one of his kidneys after complications from a blow he received during a game against South Sudan.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Borisa Simanic, who played for the Serbian national team, was declared out from the 2023 FIBA World Cup early Thursday due to complications from a blow he received during one of the games. It now seems that the problem is much bigger than initially announced.

Serbia / Schedule

Puerto Rico Serbia77-94 South Sudan Serbia83-115 Serbia Italy76-78 Dominican Republic Serbia79-112 Lithuania SerbiaTue08:45

During the match against South Sudan, Simanic received a blow to the kidney area with just under two minutes remaining and could not continue the match. After leaving the game, Simanic was sent to a hospital in Manila, where he underwent surgery during the night.

The player was bleeding heavily, head coach Svetislav Pesic later said, and it was difficult to find the blood needed for Simanic.

The Serbian Basketball Federation (KSS) initially announced that the kidney and all its functions were preserved. However, new information indicates this was not the case.

As Telegraf writes, Simanic lost one of his kidneys.

KSS confirmed the information. The player had another surgery on Sunday, the federation announced, due to complications that arose after monitoring the situation of the player.

Ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, it puts the player's further career into question, at least temporarily.

After Thursday's game against the Philippines, the player who injured Simanic -Nuni Omot- was asked about the incident.

"I heard that he ended up going to the hospital. My apologies, I didn't mean to make no type of a dirty play. I hope you have a speedy recovery. I pray for you, you'll be in my prayers," he said.

"I'm not a dirty player, I've never been a dirty player," Omot continued. "From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely apologize to everyone that's watching and to the player especially."

Episode of the injury:

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