The Élan Béarnais is at a standstill. 5 players tested positive two days before the match in Limoges, i.e. half of the squad, also knowing that Vitalis Chikoko, Hamady Ndiaye and Grego Hrovat have already been there in recent weeks. A situation which recalls, to a lesser extent, the episode of October 2020 when the entire workforce had contracted the virus at the same time.
At least two rounds of testing next week
The situation is still different, and the protocols have changed, but the Momentum still does not know if it will be able to receive Paris Basket this Saturday, January 29, Palais des Sports. Positive players began their isolation on Friday, they will be able to leave after five days, provided they present a negative test, that is to say from Tuesday. Otherwise they will have to wait two more days.
Until then, it is difficult for the others, contact cases or not, to train: there are few people left available at the Momentum, knowing that the Espoirs group is also affected.
Before resuming training, players who test positive must have the green light from a cardiologist, according to the protocol of the National Basketball League (LNB). Then will come the next salvo of tests, which must take place on Thursday, D-2 of the match against Paris Basket on Saturday, once again according to the protocol of the LNB.
This protocol establishes that the meeting can be held if each team has at least seven players and a suitable coach. Which could be the case in the Pau ranks depending on the healings, but which does not take into account the physical preparation and the possibility of having been able to train for the week. One more frustration for coach Eric Bartecheky: “The start of the week will inevitably be disrupted, with fewer players at least until Tuesday evening, or even longer. Not to mention that Paris Basket will have been able to play and therefore keep the rhythm, follow up, unlike us. It skews things a bit“It is, as a last resort, the health committee of the League which will decide.
For the Clasico, a date to find
For now, no postponement date has been advanced to catch up with the Clasico in Limoges. Given the poster, the home club would probably like to avoid having to play this match during the week. The meeting should have been broadcast on BeIn Sports, the broadcaster, if it sticks to its schedule, could want a postponement in an equivalent window. Why not Sunday February 20, on the eve of the start of the international window? Otherwise, you will have to wait much longer…