Spurs Rule Parker Out Of Italy Game

France's depth will be put the test this week against Italy in Cagliari when they attempt to overcome the loss of three players, including NBA superstar Tony Parker.

The San Antonio Spurs point guard is in the United States receiving treatment on an ankle injury, and the NBA club has confirmed he will not be available for the EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round game.

Joseph Gomis (Achilles tendon) and Mamoutou Diarra (shoulder) have been lost for the entire qualifying campaign while big man Ronny Turiaf is also carrying a knock and did not train on Saturday.

Edwin Jackson, Antoine Diot and Aymeric Jeanneau have been added to the 12-man squad for the Italy contest.

The biggest loss is without question Parker, who  was examined by the Spurs medical staff on Saturday and diagnosed with a mild sprain of his right ankle.

A Spurs statement said: "Parker will begin his rehabilitation process in San Antonio before rejoining the French national team next week. He will not be with the team on Wednesday when France faces Italy in an Additional Qualifying Round game ...

"A timeline for Parker's return will be determined based on how he responds to his rehabilitation program."

Parker expressed frustration at having to return to the United States to have his ankle looked at by doctors.

"We want to thank Tony for returning to San Antonio to allow our medical staff to examine him," Spurs General Manager RC Buford said.

"It shows his maturity and his dedication to the Spurs organization."

France coach Vincent Collet is likely to start Nando De Colo, Cholet's star in last season's EuroChallenge campaign, at the point guard spot against the Azzurri.

San Antonio selected De Colo in the second round of this summer's NBA Draft, though he will play for Pamesa Valencia in Spain.

Six teams are taking part in the Additional Qualifying Round for the EuroBasket and only one team will advance to the Final Round in Poland.

France are taking on Italy and Finland in Group B, and the side that finishes top advances to a home-and-away tie against the winners of Group A (Portugal, Belgium or Bosnia and Herzegovina) to determine the last qualifier for the EuroBasket.