Air Abando is not cleared for takeoff just yet, but he will be soon.
Gilas Pilipinas standout Rhenz Abando is officially back in Manila as the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters prepare to do battle against the TNT Tropang Giga in the East Asia Super League.
Unfortunately, Abando will not be suiting up for the reigning EASL and KBL champioons as he continues to recover from the nasty fall he suffered during Anyang's game against the Goyang Sono Skygunners in Korea last month.
Due to that fall, the former NCAA Rookie-MVP suffered a fracture on his third and fourth lumbar vertebrae, along with a sprained wrist and concussion.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Abando gave some positive updates on how he's been doing since the injury.
"Right now, mas okay na ako and parang almost four weeks na ako nagpapahinga. Siguro hindi ko pa masasabi kung kelan [babalik] pero kailangan ko ng two weeks para magpa-kondisyon," said Abando.
"Pagbalik namin ng Korea, magpapa-CT scan pa ako ulit then dun ko masasabi kung kelan ako makakabalik," he added.
While he's doing better now, the 25-year-old guard admitted to still feeling some pain when moving around.
That's why even with a possible call-up by Gilas Pilipinas for an upcoming FIBA window in February, it would be safe to say that Air Abando will not be cleared for takeoff just yet.
"Sa ngayon, medyo masakit pa rin lalo pag bumubuhat ako ng mabigat o may nagalaw ko na medyo na-squeze ko 'yung sa likod ko, so sumasakit pa rin siya," said Abando.
"Hindi ako babalik ng mamadiliin ko, kasi pipiliin ko 'yung long term," he added.
On the business of the EASL, the Red Boosters currently sit in second place of Group A with a 2-2 record.
[ALSO READ: Rhenz Abando becomes first overseas Pinoy hooper to win EASL title]
TNT is third with a 1-4 mark, and the Red Boosters-Tropang Giga showdown Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena is a key determining factor on who will advance to the next round.