Since Day One of the GranMatador-PBA Fiesta Conference, Purefoods has been beset with spate of injuries to its key players that hampered its campaign in the league’s transition tournament.
Among the casualties were Eddie Laure (knee injury), rookie James Yap (back spasm), Rey Evangelista (knee injury) and Jun Limpot (sprained ankle). As a result, the Hotdogs are struggling with a 4-11 (win-loss) record and teetering on the brink of elimination.
And from the looks of things, there seems to be no end to the Hotdogs’ misfortune.
Just last week coach Ryan Gregorio has been added to the growing list of Purefoods’ injured roster, the reason why he hasn’t been active on the sideline as he used to be of late.
According to the youthful mentor, he hurt his back while practicing with the San Miguel All-Star team recently.
"I can’t stand up and sit down without pain," said Gregorio, who was advised by the team’s physical therapist not to over-exert himself.
The good news though, is that Limpot is scheduled to return to action on Sunday after missing six games.
The inclusion of Limpot in the lineup will shore up Purefoods’ frontline and provide the Hotdogs with an additional offense when they face the Talk N Text Phone Pals.
"Gustung-gusto ko na talagang maglaro," said the veteran forward adding the fans will notice how excited he is to play. "Baka sobra pa sa todo-bigay ang gagawin ko."