The completion of the entire nine-man Filipino delegation in the Japan B. League will be held off once again as Ibaraki Robots import Javi Gomez de Liaño will sit out this weekend for undisclosed reasons.

In a tweet on Thursday, October 21, the team apologized for the issue, and said they will give an update in the venue as Ibaraki hosts Thirdy Ravena and the San-En NeoPhoenix in a back-to-back slate.

After clearing quarantine, Gomez de Liaño would have made his pro debut this weekend alongside two other compatriots, Fil-Japanese Matt Aquino of the Shinshu Brave Warriors, and Kemark Cariño of the Division 2’s Aomori Wat’s.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Aquino and Cariño are all set to help their respective teams starting Saturday, October 23. 

Meanwhile, Gomez de Liaño will show up in Ibaraki, but will stay benched. Had he been available, Saturday would have been the first day where all nine Pinoys suited up and played.

Unless a more serious situation has developed with Ibaraki and Gomez de Liaño, he will likely make his debut next Wednesday, October 27, as the Robots take on the Seahorses Mikawa in a rare weekday game.

The Robots could certainly use more help sooner rather than later, as they are one of only two winless teams left in the 22-team Division 1, alongside Dwight Ramos and the 0-6 Toyama Grouses.

– Rappler.com