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Gasol hopeful of making Euros after injury

MADRID
Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:43am EDT
Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol of Spain celebrates with the Lakers basketball team after they won their 15th NBA Championship in Los Angeles, California June 17, 2009. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's Pau Gasol expects to be fit in time for next month's European championship in Poland after undergoing surgery on the index finger of his left hand.

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The Los Angeles Lakers forward damaged the ligament in his finger while training with the Spanish team in Cadiz on Monday. After surgery, he was ruled out of action for 20 days.

"I am not overly worried as it isn't a very serious injury and in three weeks I expect to be back doing practically everything," Gasol told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I have explained the situation to the Lakers, and they have the results. They aren't pleased I am injured but I don't think they'll put obstacles in my way.

"I am making sure the lines of communication with them are open and clear, and hope I won't have to travel over there. My wish is to be with the team and to enjoy Eurobasket."

Gasol was a key figure in helping the Lakers win the NBA championship in June, when they swept aside the Orlando Magic in the finals.

World champions Spain are preparing for the European championship which starts on September 7.

(Writing by Mark Elkington; Editing by Sonia Oxley; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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