Fajardo injury ‘minor setback’

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer superstar June Mar Fajardo vowed to come back strong from the shin injury that has put him in the sidelines while the Beermen aim for a sixth straight Philippine Cup title beginning on March 1.

Fajardo suffered a complete fracture on his right tibia during practice and underwent surgery last week, with no time-table for his return to active duty.

Through it all, the five-time MVP maintains a positive attitude.

“I already know what giving up feels like but I want to see what happens if I don’t,” the Cebuano behemoth wrote on his Instagram account accompanied by a photo of his heavily-bandaged right leg.

“It’s just a minor setback! God has a better plan (for me). I’ll be right back,” he also said.

Though reeling from the sudden exit of Fajardo, the Beermen are bent on continuing the winning tradition for their premier player.

“Minor setback! We got you, big dawg,” Chris Ross said in a Twitter post.

SMB coach Leo Austria said the rest of the Beermen, led by his backup Mo Tautuaa, are ready to step up to the plate.

“Iba yung kinikilos nila. Medyo iniisip nila na kailangan nila mag step-up lalo na si Mo Tautuaa. He was really stepping up in the last two practices and I think he’s also positive sa mga nakikita mo sa kanya. Alam niya yung role na gagampanan niya ngayon is really huge para sa kanya, a challenge for him,” said Austria.