Justin Arana has been cleared of a major injury after getting a second opinion on his knee that he hurt during Arellano University's opening game in NCAA Season 97 against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos last Sunday.
The Season 95 Rookie of the Year was initially diagnosed with a partial ACL tear in his right knee following a collision with Stags' Jessie Sumoda late in the fourth.
The Chiefs escaped with a tight 65-63 win, but there were fears Arana could miss the rest of the season due to the injury.
The 6-foot-7 bruiser still topped the game, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds alongside four blocks.
Three days later, Arana received some good news that his season is not over just yet.
After getting a second opinion from Dr. George Canlas, it turned out that Arana only suffered an ACL sprain and will not need to undergo surgery.
"Pinayagan niya (Dr. Canlas) po ako mag-laro pero may therapy muna po ako and papalakasin tuhod ko," Arana said in a message as his Chiefs battled against Letran as of writing.
"Sobrang saya ko po talaga ngayong araw na 'to dahil sa balita na 'yan kasi po akala ko tapos na NCAA career ko pero binigyan po akong ng second chance ni Lord para makalaro pa."
It's not yet clear, though, when Arana can be available to suit up once again.
—JMB, GMA News
