Sabally's Concussion Recovery
New York Liberty's Satou Sabally Steps Away From Team Due to Ongoing Concussion Issues
New York Liberty star Satou Sabally is stepping away from the team to manage lingering effects from a concussion, coach Chris DeMarco confirmed Thursday, according to AP News. Sabally has not played since suffering the injury during a game against Las Vegas on June 23 — more than a month ago.
This is Sabally's second concussion in the past year, raising serious concerns about her health and availability for the rest of the WNBA season, Yahoo Sports reported.
Sabally Has Been Sidelined for Over a Month
Sabally went down during the June 23 contest against Las Vegas. She has not returned to the court since. The Liberty have had to manage without one of their key players for more than a month, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
Concussion symptoms can linger for weeks or even months. The fact that Sabally is still dealing with issues this far out signals the injury is not a minor one. The Liberty have not given a timeline for her return.
Coach DeMarco Speaks to the Difficulty of Recovery
Coach Chris DeMarco acknowledged how hard it can be for a player to go through concussion recovery, especially on her own away from the team, according to KDH News. DeMarco did not offer specific details about Sabally's condition or when she might rejoin the squad.
Concussion protocol in the WNBA requires players to go through a step-by-step return process. Players must be cleared by team doctors before they can practice or play again. There is no shortcut.
Second Concussion in a Year Clouds Sabally's Future
This is not Sabally's first run-in with concussion issues. She suffered a similar injury within the past year, making this a repeat problem, according to News-Gazette. Repeated concussions carry greater health risks and can take longer to heal.
The pattern is a concern for the Liberty and for Sabally personally. Players who suffer multiple concussions in a short span are sometimes held out for extended periods to protect their long-term health.
FIBA World Cup Appearance Now in Serious Doubt
If Sabally recovers in time, she could suit up for Germany's national team at the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup. But her status remains uncertain, Messenger-Inquirer reported. Germany would need her healthy and cleared well before the tournament begins.
Sabally is one of Germany's top players on the international stage. Missing the World Cup would be a major blow — both for her and for the German national program. Right now, her health comes first.
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