ARG - Palladino injury rocks Boca

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Nacional) - Boca Juniors' hopes of advancing past the Liga Nacional semi-finals have been hit by the news Leandro Palladino will miss the rest of the season through injury.

The shooting guard, who claimed a silver medal with Argentina at the 2002 FIBA World Championship, twisted his left ankle in Wednesday's victory over Ben Hur and has been ruled out of action for at least a month.

Palladino's name has been scratched from Boca's roster and he is expected to be replaced by Patricio Rodriguez.

Boca doctor Marcelo Murillo said: "The injury is to the inner ligament of his left knee. It is a moderate to serious twist that hampers his stability.

"He cannot move it for three or four weeks, so he is out of the season. If we make him play, it could be a risk because he can pick-up a more serious injury."

Boca are facing Libertad in the best-of-five semi-finals, while the other tie sees Penarol clash with Regatas Corrientes.

FIBA