ESP – Spain’s Martinez out of qualifying event with finger injury

MADRID (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - Silvia Dominguez will play for Spain at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women following the news that Dynamo Moscow guard Nuria Martinez (pictured left) requires surgery on a finger injury.

Martinez, a key member of last year’s silver-medal winning side at the EuroBasket in Chieti, has had the problem for some time and wasn’t able to play in Spain’s last two friendlies.

“I thought I could continue to play, but the pain was getting more intense,” Martinez said.

“It is a disappointment because I had a lot of enthusiasm and I didn’t think this injury would be so serious.

“But I am confident that Spain will earn a place for the Olympics in Madrid.”

Spain coach Evaristo Perez said: “It’s a pity not to have Nuria available. Despite knowing about her problem with the finger injury from the start, we always thought she would be able to play at the pre-Olympic.”

Dominguez, 21, was named in the preliminary squad but failed to make the last cut.

The Perfumerias Avenida playmaker was the most valuable player at last year’s U20 European Championship for Women after leading Spain to the gold medal.

FIBA