Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta exited Portugal’s win over Spain early on Friday during a 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier due to a possible injury.
Portugal head coach Mario Gomes said the decision to remove Queta was precautionary after the medical staff determined there could be a risk in allowing him to continue.
“We still don’t know if he has any problems or not, but we decided not to take any risks. Zero risk. Not only because we have a game on Monday, but also because it’s his life and, for me, as a coach, the players’ health comes first. When there is a risk, we never do anything that jeopardizes the players’ health to win a game,” Gomes said about Queta.
“The physiotherapist and the doctor told me there was a real risk, so we decided not to use him anymore. We also have people from the Boston Celtics staff here, who I think are helping our medical team understand what’s going on. I hope it’s nothing serious and we can count on him on Monday and, above all, that he can continue his career without problems, because he deserves it. He’s a great guy.”
The nature and severity of Queta’s potential injury remain unclear, and his availability for Monday’s qualifier against Georgia has yet to be determined.
Before leaving the game, Queta recorded 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals in more than 24 minutes.
He signed a four-year, $56 million extension with Boston this summer and is projected to remain the Celtics’ starting center for the 2026-27 season.
