Valencia Basket and Spar Girona are set to clash this Sunday, March 22nd, at the Roig Arena in a crucial matchup for both teams. The game, scheduled to tip off at 12:15 p.m. Local time (UTC+2), pits two of the top contenders in the LF Endesa league against each other. With only one win separating the two sides in the standings, the outcome could significantly impact the race for playoff positioning as the regular season nears its conclusion.
However, Spar Girona heads into the contest with a concerning injury report. The team returned to training after the recent FIBA window break, but coach Roberto Íñiguez revealed several key players are dealing with fitness issues. Marta Canella remains sidelined with a long-term injury, and Laura Quevedo will miss Sunday’s game due to plantar fasciitis. Adding to the team’s woes, Chloe Bibby arrived back with discomfort and is considered questionable for the match.
“I don’t have very quality news,” Íñiguez stated in a press conference. “I want to be positive for the players who can be available because I have to be, and I believe that is my obligation, but we have the case of Marta [Canella], who we already know is long-term, Laura [Quevedo] will not play tomorrow due to a plantar fasciitis problem that, seems complicated, and Chloe [Bibby] has arrived quite uncomfortable and with subpar feelings, so we will see tomorrow how she is and we will decide, but if the sensations continue to be bad, we will not force anyone and she will not play.”
The timing of these injuries is particularly challenging for Spar Girona, as they also have the Copa de la Reina tournament approaching next week in Tarragona. The team is attempting to navigate a demanding stretch of games with a potentially depleted roster. Fortunately, Arica and Carolina Guerrero, who were recently with their national teams, are available for selection, though Arica is reportedly fatigued from a long journey from Bangkok.
Despite the challenges, Íñiguez emphasized the importance of focusing on their own game. “We have to play our game, I think we have to support the people who have to play,” he said.
Valencia Basket, meanwhile, boasts a deep and talented roster. Íñiguez acknowledged the difficulty of facing such a formidable opponent, noting their strong rotation and recent acquisitions. “They are a very good team, in which you cannot rule out any player when you analyze the rivals, with a very long rotation and that has signed very well,” he commented. He also expressed concern about a recurring pattern of injuries plaguing his team around major tournaments like the Copa de la Reina.
The game represents a significant test for Spar Girona, who will need a collective effort to overcome both the quality of Valencia Basket and their own injury concerns. The first meeting between these two teams earlier this season saw Valencia Basket secure a convincing 96-68 victory on their home court, adding extra motivation for Spar Girona to perform well on Sunday.
The league standings are tight at the top, making every game crucial. A win for Spar Girona would see them draw level with Valencia Basket, while a victory for the home side would extend their lead and strengthen their position in the top two. The match promises to be a thrilling contest with significant implications for the remainder of the LF Endesa season.
Fans can follow the game live on RTVE Play. [1]
What’s Next: Spar Girona will turn their attention to the Copa de la Reina tournament next week in Tarragona, hoping to have key players back to full fitness. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build momentum and make a strong showing in the competition.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on Spar Girona’s progress throughout the season.
What are your thoughts on this matchup? Share your predictions in the comments below!
