Franz Wagner update: avoids serious injury / News - Basketnews.com

Ankle woe for Franz Wagner: Germany's forward awaits imaging results after FIBA World Cup 2023 opener vs. Japan.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

German Basketball Federation released an official injury update regarding Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, who suffered an ankle setback during the FIBA World Cup 2023 opening win against Japan on Friday.

Player of the Game EFF 31 Moritz Wagner Points 25 Accuracy 10-14 Rebounds 9 Assists 1

"The medical staff is intensively caring for Franz Wagner. An exact diagnosis is not yet possible due to the pending imaging. His status is day-to-day," the announcement reads.

Wagner's injury occurred with a little over five minutes left in the game, as Germany held a commanding 75-53 lead. After a minor collision in mid-air with a Japanese player, the 21-year-old wing landed awkwardly on his left ankle.

"We were able to rule out serious injuries. Nothing is broken, torn, or anything like this -- things that would end the FIBA World Cup for him," team doctor Oliver Putz said on Saturday, per Florian Krebl from a German sports news agency called SID.

"Franz feels better this morning than yesterday. We did another MRI this morning. But the problem is that we don't have the imaging yet. So we can't say exactly what's hurt yet," Putz added.

"We won't get the CD with the images until this afternoon. It's a bit unfortunate how it's organized here. And then we have to send the images to a radiologist in Germany so that he can tell us what's going on there. Because there are no radiologists here who can give us information," Putz continued.

Wagner should train individually on Saturday.

"He will work out a little bit to get his circulation going. The pictures looked wild yesterday, and that really affected him. ... We are in contact with Orlando, and of course, we don't take any risks," Putz concluded.

Credit FIBA

Franz grabbed his ankle immediately after the incident and was evidently in pain. Wagner then hobbled off the court, unable to continue.

"It looks like a slightly sprained ankle," Germany's head coach Gordon Herbert said in the post-game conference. "We'll know more after the MRI."

As Wagner approaches his 22nd birthday on Sunday, Germany is slated to face Australia. However, his availability for the upcoming match remains uncertain.

Game highlights:

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.