FRA - Noah leaves France squad; Parker injured

STRASBOURG (EuroBasket 2009) - Questions continue to surround Joakim Noah's availability for France's EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round against Italy, but fellow NBA star Tony Parker has assured fans he will be ready to play after an ankle injury.

Chicago Bulls forward Noah left the France squad after scoring 11 points in an 84-66 win over the Czech Republic at the Strasbourg Tournament this weekend, with France still waiting to hear from the Bulls as to whether he will be allowed to play in the AQR.

There was better news for Parker, who gave France a scare when he suffered an ankle injury in the opening game of this tournament against Austria on Friday.

Parker took a blow to the thigh and it was only later he realised he had also damaged his ankle in the incident.

"When I clashed with an Austrian player, I took a blow to my thigh and then my ankle turned," Parker explained.

"I had not paid much attention to my ankle at first because I had so much pain in my thigh. But once I rested it, the pain in the ankle awoke and began to inflate."

However, Parker was at least relieved to find out it was nothing worse than a sprain, and he should be back soon.

"I am frustrated at having to stop my preparation for a few days, but I will take care and I will be present for Italy-France (in the AQR)."

In the same tournament, Belgium continued their preparations for the AQR with an 81-51 demolition of Austria.

Meanwhile, at the Trentino Cup, Italy continued their impressive form by beating New Zealand 88-70, thanks in large part to 20 points from Marco Belinelli.

Things did not go so well for Portugal in their second game as they suffered a heavy defeat to Canada, going down 74-55.

It was the second straight defeat for Portugal, but where they could take solace in pushing New Zealand all the way in a 98-91 loss to New Zealand on Saturday, they were clearly outclassed by the Canadians.

Finland have also been left with work to do after a tough weekend in Hungary.

Although Finland opened with an 88-75 win over Holland on Friday, Saturday saw them fall 95-89 to the hosts in Szombathely before Sunday's 76-73 loss to Sweden completed a tough weekend.

Croatia have already qualified for EuroBasket, but their preparations suffered a blow this weekend with the news that captain Nikola Prkacin is facing around three weeks on the sidelines with an elbow injury.

The 33-year-old Prkacin is a key component of coach Jasmin Repesa's plans, bringing to the table experience of five European Championship campaigns. He is a veteran of the 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 tournaments, and also played in the Beijing Olympics last year.

FIBA