Romeo injury further weakens SMB

SAN MIGUEL Beer’s star guard Terrence Romeo will be out for six to eight weeks after the shooting guard dislocated his shoulder Friday night in a game against the TNT Tropang Giga.

The incident was an unwelcome development for the defending champions Beermen, who are already playing without June Mar Fajardo. The six-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Fajardo is also recuperating from an injury.

Beermen head coach Leo Austria announced Romeo’s condition via smb.hoops.ph Saturday morning.

“He’s out for six to eight weeks. I talked to him last night and the doctor told him na six to eight weeks ‘yung healing time (that the healing time is six to eight weeks),” Austria said.

The 28-year-old Romeo fell down after a collision with veteran guard Ryan Reyes midway in the second quarter in their last game. He stayed at the sidelines, receiving treatment from SMB’s staff and later on was brought to the nearby Medical City Clark, which is part of the PBA bubble.

The initial diagnosis by team physical therapist Edward Bacason is a dislocated shoulder. He is scheduled to meet with physician George Canlas to determine the official findings and the next course of action.

“I think hindi siya magpapa-opera dahil ang operation naman (he will not opt for an operation) because its purpose is to shorten the [healing] process. But he opted for natural healing,” added Austria.

The Beermen were routed by TNT,107-88, for their second straight loss (1-2 win-loss record) inside the bubble — a sour start as they bid for a historic sixth straight Philippine Cup title.

The Beermen will try to end their losing streak when they face the winless Terrafirma Dyip on Monday.