Spar Girona has included guard Iyana Martín and forward Axelle Merceron in the traveling squad for Wednesday’s Eurocup clash against Ostrava, though head coach Roberto Íñiguez confirmed only Martín holds a realistic chance of seeing court time. The team will face the Czech side in a 5:15 p.m. (CET) kickoff for the fourth day of competition, Diari de Girona reported.
Martín’s return monitored as FIBA window approaches
The status of the young guard remains a day-to-day decision for the coaching staff. While Martín has been training with the group, Íñiguez emphasized that the team will not rush her recovery. “Iyana is training with the team and we are very happy with her progress, but we will see if she can help us a little,” Íñiguez said. “If she plays, it will be because she can play. It would make no sense to force her.”
The coach also addressed Martín’s recent selection by Miguel Méndez for the Spanish national team ahead of the upcoming EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers against the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Croatia. Íñiguez expressed full confidence in the national team’s medical and coaching staff to manage the player’s physical condition appropriately.
Merceron travels to integrate with the team
While Axelle Merceron is joining the squad in the Czech Republic, her participation in the game is not expected. Íñiguez noted that the young French forward is traveling primarily to maintain her connection with the group during her rehabilitation. “I’m taking her because I want to connect her with the team,” the coach explained. “When you are injured for a long time, you suffer and feel alone. It is important that she is there.” Her return to competitive play is projected for the future against Lugo.
Quevedo undergoes surgery as injury list persists
The club is dealing with significant injury setbacks, most notably regarding forward Laura Quevedo. She underwent surgery on Tuesday in Barcelona to address issues with her fascia and tendon in both legs. The recovery timeline for Quevedo extends into March. “It’s a double operation, first on the right leg and then the left,” Íñiguez said, highlighting the leadership she provides to the locker room. Elsewhere, the recovery process for Marta García remains a point of concern, with the coach noting a discrepancy between clinical test results and the player’s own physical sensations.
Tactical adjustments for the Ostrava rematch
Girona enters the match looking to maintain the momentum from their previous 77-49 victory over Ostrava at Fontajau. Íñiguez warned against complacency, noting that the Czech team’s proficiency with outside shooting makes them dangerous on their home court. The coach stressed the need for defensive intensity and a higher pace of play to avoid over-relying on a short rotation, particularly with a domestic game against Valencia looming on Friday.
“We want to compete against Valencia and we want to win on Wednesday as a team, without depending on three or four players,” Íñiguez stated. He added that the team is currently in a state of constant construction, aiming to recover player energy levels to facilitate a more vertical and aggressive style of basketball.
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