A 24-year-old Málaga basketball player is recovering at home after spending six days in intensive care with a serious head injury sustained during a municipal league match in El Palo. Juan Francisco L.M. underwent emergency surgery at Hospital Regional and now has 50 staples in his head, according to the supplied report from SUR in English.
The incident happened on 3 October at the José Paterna sports hall, during a game between Baloncesto Equilibrio and Puerta Oscura Bar Cleopatra. Juan had not initially planned to play, but joined the team after teammates said they were short of players.
Near the end of the match, with his team trailing by seven points, Juan was driving towards the basket when an opposing player pushed him in mid-air, the report says. He fell backwards and struck his head. The game was in the El Palo district; no further details about the match’s officiating or any disciplinary action were provided.
Juan’s injuries included a multifragmentary fracture on the right side of his skull, depressed by about 12 millimetres, as well as bleeding and bruising inside the head. He was unconscious for three days. The report says doctors found no serious brain damage, although his injuries required continued medical assessment.
A veterinarian and a nurse who were at the scene gave him prompt attention, according to the account. Juan’s skull was reconstructed in emergency surgery at Hospital Regional. He is now recovering at home, with doctors advising complete rest.
The hospital’s injury report was sent to police, who are expected to follow the standard procedure for such cases. The report says Juan’s family solicitor and several eyewitnesses are due to provide accounts; it does not state whether a formal charge or other legal action has been taken.
The recovery will also interrupt Juan’s dual degree in Engineering at the University of Málaga. The report says he hopes to return to his studies and his usual routine, including following Unicaja, but gives no timetable for his return to basketball.