Serbian National Team forward Boriša Simanić had surgery to remove a kidney after taking an elbow to the midsection during a FIBA World Cup game, the Serbian Federation said Monday, per ESPN.
The injury occurred at the end of Serbia’s 115–83 win over South Sudan in the Philippines on Wednesday. Simanić was elbowed by Nuni Omot and was seen in serious pain immediately afterward. He was taken to the hospital and had emergency surgery that night.
Serbian coach Svetislav Pešić later said there were complications, however, as there was an issue finding Simanić’s blood type. Several of his teammates offered to give blood, but he ultimately underwent a second operation and had his kidney removed. He is expected to remain in a Manila hospital for some time in order to recover.
