Kaunas, Lithuania – Kauno Žalgiris forward Ąžuolas Tubelis sustained an ankle injury during a EuroLeague game against Valencia Basket on Thursday, March 5th, 2026. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Tubelis landed awkwardly after a shot, making contact with the foot of a referee. The injury casts a shadow over Žalgiris’ performance in the 91-87 loss and raises concerns about the player’s availability for upcoming games, including potential participation with the Lithuanian national team.
The 24-year-old Tubelis described the incident as “unbelievable,” expressing his frustration not only with the injury itself but also with the lack of an apology from the official involved. The injury occurred with Žalgiris trailing 60-65, adding to the team’s difficulties in a challenging road game. The loss dropped Žalgiris to a 17-13 record in the EuroLeague standings, according to reporting from Delfi.
Speaking after the game, Tubelis explained he immediately felt pain and swelling in his ankle. “I don’t know, I’m not a doctor, but I landed on the referee’s foot, I took off my sock and my foot was swollen, so they started to ice it. Then they wrapped my ankle, I tried to run, but it hurt. That’s all I can say,” he stated, as reported by TV3.lt. He also noted this was only the second time in his career he had injured the same ankle, having previously sprained his right ankle, which typically doesn’t swell as much.
Tubelis attempted to return to the game after receiving initial treatment, but the pain proved too significant. “If I could have, even a little bit, I would have gone back on the court. Is this the most disappointing injury? Yes, it’s unbelievable,” he said. He emphasized that he felt prepared for the game and didn’t attribute the injury to fatigue from recent appearances with the Lithuanian national team, where he competed against Iceland.
Details of the Injury and Initial Assessment
The injury occurred with 3:11 remaining in the third quarter. According to VE.LT, Tubelis was helped off the court by teammates and immediately sat on the bench. Initial assessment involved icing and wrapping the ankle, but a brief attempt to jog revealed the severity of the injury. The exact nature and extent of the injury remain unclear pending further medical evaluation.
Tubelis acknowledged a previous ankle injury, stating, “I’ve only twisted this left ankle once in my career, and it wasn’t good. Usually, if I twist it, it’s the right one. It’s stretched, so it doesn’t even swell. We’ll see what happens tomorrow,” referring to a planned medical examination. He also expressed his disappointment with the game’s outcome, noting that Valencia Basket’s strong shooting performance and aggressive play were difficult to counter, particularly in the first half.
Žalgiris’ Performance and Tubelis’ Role
Despite a stronger second-half performance, Žalgiris struggled to overcome Valencia Basket’s early lead. Tubelis observed that the team lacked discipline in the first half and failed to execute their game plan effectively. “We knew they were running and shooting three-pointers, going to the boards, and we didn’t contain them in the first half, and they built up a lead,” he explained. He also praised his team’s improved defensive effort in the second half, highlighting their one-on-one defense and ability to draw fouls.
Tubelis’ absence was keenly felt as the game progressed. He is a key player for Žalgiris, contributing significantly to their offense and rebounding. His injury adds to the team’s challenges as they navigate a competitive EuroLeague season. The team will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for the forward.
The coming days will be crucial as medical staff assess the extent of Tubelis’ ankle injury. Further updates on his condition and expected recovery timeline are anticipated following Friday’s examination. Fans and team officials alike will be closely monitoring his progress, hoping for positive news regarding his return to the court.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about a medical situation and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What are your thoughts on this unfortunate injury? Share your comments below and let us know what you think Žalgiris needs to do to overcome this setback.
