Basque pelota player Xabier Barandika (Gernika-Lumo, 1990) is set to return to the court this Thursday in Mungia as part of the Eusko Label Winter Series. The incident occurred on January 26th, when a ball from Alex Goitiandia struck his left elbow, causing an olecranon fracture that required surgery with metal plates and screws.
Nearly five months have passed since the injury, and the player feels ready to compete again. "It has been a very tough recovery process," Barandika admitted. "It was harder than I initially thought, but I am happy to have the opportunity to return and eager to play." Physically, he feels well, although he acknowledges a slight lack of strength in his left arm. "I'm taking a step forward every day in training," he added.
The player concedes that the injury occurred at a peak moment in his career but is not setting ambitious goals for his comeback. "My main objective right now is to be on the court. I'll be happy with that. Of course, we all like to win, but for now, regarding Thursday's match, I'm focused on feeling good and returning after a four-month break." It's worth noting that at the time of his injury, he and Thibault Basque were qualified for the final of a Winter Series.
“"I have experienced a lot of pain, especially during physiotherapy when they stretch your elbow. That has passed, and I don't want to go through anything similar again."
Barandika acknowledges that the initial days after the operation were painful, but he considers his rehabilitation process to have gone "quite well," largely thanks to the support of Dr. Gotzon from Gernika. "He has been my doctor, my psychologist, and everything," he stated, also highlighting the backing from his support network.
