MANILA, Philippines – AJ Edu will miss the remainder of the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup for Gilas Pilipinas Youth as he sustained a right knee injury early in their first game against host country Greece. 

The Filipino-Nigerian was part of the starting unit but saw action for only two minutes in the 69-85 loss to the Greeks after hurting his knee when he attacked to the basket. 

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“AJ Edu suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tear on his right knee with hairline fracture on his right femur bone based on the MRI images read by the radiologist,” said team physical therapist George Yorobe. 

The official results will be released on Monday, July 1, as soon as doctors in Greece read and review the MRI images. (READ: AJ Edu ‘most probably’ suffered ACL injury, says SBP chief)

While Edu awaits the final findings regarding his injury, Gilas Youth head coach Sandy Arespacochaga bared he will be sidelined for their remaining games. 

“Yes,” Arespacochaga curtly replied when asked if Edu has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. 

“We are concerned with AJ’s health right now and his injury. Everyone on the team is, from players to staff. But we also have a job to do and a lot of games left so we just have to depend on the other players stepping up.” 

“Big shoes to fill, but the players are determined to step up for AJ and the team.” 

The Philippines – ranked 30th in the world – seeks to clinch its first win against world No. 9 Argentina on Sunday, June 30 (Monday, July 1, Philippine time). – with a report from Beatrice Go/Rappler.com