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June Mar Fajardo is still undergoing rehab after the wound of his surgery got infected and required another one.

The 31-year old Fajardo, who had successful surgery on his fractured right tibia (leg) on February 4, 2020, suffered the said injury the day before in team practice.

During an interview in the online show 2OT Live, Fajardo admitted that the injury first manifested during the 2018 Philippine Cup. He took an accidental kick which bruised badly. He played through the pain which aggravated into a hairline fracture and eventually forced him out for a big chunk of the season.

According to Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, the 6-time PBA MVP’s longtime adviser, Fajardo is expected to join the San Miguel’s practices by April but playing in the 2021 Philippine Cup is a different story altogether.

“He’s still on rehab which was slowed down by the pandemic. The doctor, however, assures he can start practicing with the team by April,” said Estenzo.

“I have advised him not to start playing if there is still discomfort. His health and fitness to me is most important,” he added.

Apart from his physical conditioning, Estenzo is concerned about Fajardo’s mental and psychological well-being since the former University of Cebu Webmaster has been away from basketball for more than a year already and has undergone two surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation regimen.

“I told him to undergo sports psychology sessions before starting practice,” said Estenzo who has been on Fajardo’s side since his collegiate days.

With the upcoming PBA season just a month away and Fajardo yet to join the team’s group sessions, Estenzo said that it’s up to the SMB coaching staff to do what they think is best for the team’s main man.

“It’s the call of the coach and depending on how he thinks June Mar is fit to play with them. Most probably, he might be fielded but only for very limited minutes to bring back his confidence and feel for the game.”

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