The Cape Verdean centre is now fully recovered from the injury to the medial collateral ligament of his left knee that prevented him from playing at the end of last season and the Euroleague Final Four.
Real Madrid basketball has received excellent news ahead of the upcoming season: Edy Tavares is now fully recovered from the injury to the medial collateral ligament of his left knee that he suffered on April 30, in the first game of the Euroleague playoffs against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The 2.21-metre centre has completed all phases of rehabilitation and will join the pre-season training led by Pedro Martínez, the new head coach.
Tavares' injury, which kept him immobilised for weeks, was a severe blow for the team, which lost its most decisive player during the crucial stretch of the season. However, the Cape Verdean worked tirelessly in the gym to regain lost muscle and later ran outside Valdebebas. In July, he returned to the training court, and now he is enjoying a few days of rest before facing the new challenge.
A decade of dominance in Europe
Tavares' tenth season at Real Madrid is set to be crucial. Since his arrival in November 2017, the centre has become one of the most dominant players on the continent, establishing himself as a defensive wall and a key offensive reference under the basket. With Pablo Laso, Chus Mateo, and Sergio Scariolo as coaches, Tavares was a key piece in the club's successes, which include several ACB leagues and Euroleagues.
Now, with Pedro Martínez taking over the bench, a new era begins. Martínez, who previously coached Tavares at Gran Canaria and gave him his ACB debut on January 6, 2013, knows the player well. However, the new coach's style, based on fast play and short possessions, contrasts with the slower basketball that best suits the centre. The question is how Tavares will fit into that scheme or whether the coach will modify his philosophy to take advantage of the giant.
I would be a fool if I didn't end up getting something good out of this kid
This phrase, spoken by Pedro Martínez in 2013 when they were both at Gran Canaria, reflects the confidence the coach has always had in Tavares' potential. More than a decade later, they reunite in a very different context: now the centre is a consolidated star, but he needs to adapt to a new system.
A luxury 'signing' for Madrid
While the club combs the market for reinforcements and manages possible departures, Tavares' recovery represents a top-level 'signing' at no cost. The 34-year-old centre approaches this season with the motivation to prove that he remains the decisive player he has always been, despite the first significant injury of his career as a Madrid player. For the white fans, seeing him back on the court will be a relief, as his absence was particularly felt in the Final Four, where the team failed to secure the title.
The pre-season schedule has yet to be confirmed, but Tavares is expected to be available for the first friendlies. His presence will be crucial for ensuring that Pedro Martínez's new project starts with guarantees, both in the ACB league and in the Euroleague, where Madrid aims to regain the European throne.
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