VEN - Guevara blow for Venezuela

 WIN a trip to the FIBA World Championship Finals weekend

CARACAS (FIBA World Championship) - Venezuela will go to the FIBA World Championship without their main guard Diego Guevara, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

"Because of the surgery on my right shoulder and the rehabilitation, I will not be ready to play the 2006 World Championship in Japan," said Guevara in a statement released by the Venezuelan Basketball Federation (FBV).

"I am announcing it today to let the team have enough time to repair the situation."

The guard, an eight-year veteran of the national side, injured his right shoulder after an accidental collision with Antonio Torcatt on May 15 during a domestic league match.

"Unfortunately, I was told today by doctor James Fleishly, that I could not start the recovery treatment before mid-September.

"Then I can start weightlifting and throwing balls and I should be fit two weeks later."

The news is a blow to coach Nestor Salazar whose team finished fourth as hosts of the South American Championship, losing to Olympic champions Argentina in the third-place play-off game.

Ernesto Mijares and Rafael Guevara filled in for Guevara in that tournament Caracas.

Guevara added: "I wish all the success to the team in the FIBA World Championship in Japan."

Venezuela have been drawn in Group A, alongside reigning champions Serbia & Montenegro, 2002 runners-up Argentina, France, Lebanon and Nigeria.

PA Sport