Fears emerge as Manu may miss Olympics with bad ankle

Ginobili is one of the key players for Argentina (Photo credit: FIBA)Photo Gallery>>It has emerged that an ankle injury could prevent Manu Ginobili from helping Argentina defend their Olympic title.

Ginobili, the MVP of the last beijing2008.cn/en.shtml' target=_blank>Olympics and the superstar guard of the San Antonio Spurs, was hurt in the NBA post-season and on Wednesday he revealed the injury is worse than originally thought.

He prepared Argentina sports fans for the worst at a press conference.

"First of all, I want to say that my ankle injury is more serious than I predicted," he said.

"After the season was over, I had further tests on my left ankle and they revealed there was a lot of liquid and a ligament that is wider (than it should be).

"Recently I had an MRI and the liquid disappeared but the ligament continues to be wider, four or five times more than the norm.

"I am more worried than you (the media) are. In three weeks, I will have more tests done but I fear my participation in the Olympics will be in danger."

Argentina without Ginobili will not be the same force.

They are in Group A with Russia, Australia, Iran, Lithuania, Iran and one of the three teams that earn a place at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens.

"I don't want to consider the possibility of not being there (Beijing)," he said.

"I am optimistic. I would like to play and I will do everything in order to make it.

"I am at the mercy of the outcome of the results that I will take on July 5 or 6."

If Ginobili can't play, it will further complicate matters for Sergio Hernandez with first-choice point guard Pepe Sanchez having just a few months ago decided to retire from the international game.

Forward Walter Herrmann is in his prime but decided to retire from the national team.

Argentina played without Ginobili, Herrmann, Sanchez and Fabricio Oberto last year at the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas and managed to beat Brazil in the semi-finals before finishing runners-up to the United States.

(Credit: FIBA. Click here for further information.)