Union Neuchâtel heads into a crucial Swiss Basketball League stretch facing a severe personnel shortage after a string of injuries sidelined four key players, including center Rodin Sangwa, who suffered a concussion and a cracked cervical vertebra during a 90-59 Swiss Cup win.
Swiss Cup Victory Overshadowed By Sangwa Head Injury
The latest blow to the squad occurred Thursday night during the 16th-finals of the Swiss Cup. André Prébandier, a spokesperson and committee member for Union Neuchâtel, confirmed by phone that the Ivory Coast player is dealing with a concussion alongside a fracture in one of his cervical vertebrae.
Trivunovic Loses Four Rotation Players Before Monthey Clash
Head coach Mitar Trivunovic must now piece together a rotation without four major contributors for Saturday’s 17:30 fixture at the Salle du Reposieux against Monthey. David Vukovic and Arthur Borel are out with shoulder and knee injuries respectively, though Prébandier indicated both should return to the floor soon. Meanwhile, Jonas Argenti faces a more extended recovery period due to an ankle injury. The roster strain compounds an already tense week for Trivunovic, who picked up two technical fouls on Thursday after reacting angrily to Sangwa’s on-court injury.
Stakes High For SBL Cup Qualification in Valais
The mounting injuries arrive at the worst possible juncture for the club, which sits in sixth place in the Swiss Basketball League standings at the end of the first round. Saturday’s matchup against Monthey acts as a direct battle for positioning. It’s a four-point game,
Prébandier said, emphasizing the weight of the contest for securing a spot in the upcoming SBL Cup. A victory would not only solidify their standing but could also shield Neuchâtel from drawing league powerhouses Fribourg Olympic or the Lions de Genève in the opening round of the cup competition.
Schedule Complications And Next Steps
Union Neuchâtel travels to face Monthey on Saturday at 17:30 local time (16:30 UTC) at the Salle du Reposieux, where Trivunovic’s depleted bench will face its immediate test.
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