Nicolo Melli (Olimpia Milano) to miss remainder of the Euroleague playoffs

Hard blow for the Olimpia Milano as one of their key player is out for the series against Istanbul.

When it rains, it pours and Milan has learned it once again. After their loss on Tuesday night against Efes Istanbul (48-64), the Italian side will have to do without their 31 year-old forward Nicolo Melli (8.1 pts, 6.7 rbs, 1.3 ast) for a month.

The former NBA player was the only one in double figures (10 points) for his team and had to leave them late in the fourth quarter. In his post-game conference, head coach Ettore Messina did not sound too optimisitic.

“It was a very complicated night for us, and on top of that, Nicolo Melli suffered an injury. We’ll do more tests tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good, to be honest. It’s a calf injury.”

In a very short press release AX Armani Exchange Milano stated :

During yesterday’s game against Efes, Nicolo Melli suffered an injury to the medial twin of his right leg which will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

The news couldn’t come at a worse time for Milan as they are down 1-0 in their quarter final series and Datome (knee), Mitoglou (doping), Kell (leg) are all out as well for next game.

Melli’s european season might be over unless his team qualifies for the Final Four. Olimpia Milano will meet Efes Istanbul again on Thursday night (8:30 P.M CET).

Photo : Nicolo Melli (Euroleague)