Ginobili will not play for Argentina at World Cup

Photo courtesy of Manu Ginobili’s official Twitter account

Manu Ginobili will not play for Argentina at the FIBA World Cup because of a stress fracture in his right leg that has bothered the San Antonio Spurs guard since the playoffs.

The Argentine Basketball Federation announced the decision on Thursday. The World Cup will be played starting Aug. 30 in Spain, and Ginobili’s loss is a big blow for Argentina’s chances.

The 37-year-old Ginobili played through the injury while helping the Spurs beat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. He has long relished international competition, but the San Antonio Express-News first reported earlier this week that the Spurs requested Ginobili not play in Spain because of the lingering issue.

Skipping the World Cup will help Ginobili recover and be ready for next season with the Spurs.