Perth Wildcats have confirmed star centre Jo Lual-Acuil will be sidelined for at least another month by his calf injury, while nominated replacement player Jimmy Whitt has returned to the United States for personal reasons.
Lual-Acuil made an early exit from his side’s win over New Zealand Breakers last month and has not been seen on the court since.
On Thursday, the Wildcats said he had suffered a setback and would be reevaluated after next month’s international break. Perth will play another eight NBL games before the beginning of the FIBA window, which runs from November 23-December 1.
Lual-Acuil had started the season in strong form before going down with the injury, averaging 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds across Perth’s first two games.
His absence has forced a heavier burden onto veteran big man Angus Brandt, who scored eight points and pulled down seven rebounds in their 21-point loss to Sydney Kings on Saturday night.
Whitt’s status as Perth’s NRP meant the guard was only eligible to play when one of their three other imports were unavailable.
The 29-year-old filled in for the absent Brandon Knight in three early-season games before producing a career-best performance against the Kings as Kristian Doolittle was sidelined by a foot injury, scoring 15 points.
The club said an update on Whitt’s status would be communicated “at a later date”.
After a 102-81 defeat at the hands of the reigning champions last weekend, Perth coach John Rillie said he was “confident” Doolittle would be right to return for Friday night’s clash with Melbourne United at RAC Arena.
United will be without star shooting guard Chris Goulding for the game, with the veteran sidelined by a calf injury.