Newsome, Hodge, Jose cleared to rejoin Meralco ahead of final week of eliminations

The Meralco Bolts are set to get a timely boost as three of their key players will return ahead of the final stretch of the elimination round of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Bolts head coach Norman Black revealed that Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, and Raymar Jose have all been cleared to rejoin the squad in their last two elimination games.

Meralco, which has already clinched a quarterfinal berth with a 7-2 card, will play NLEX on September 22 before wrapping up the regular season with a clash with rival Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on the 23rd.

Wins in these two matches will mean a twice-to-beat incentive for the Bolts.

Newsome, Hodge, and Jose all missed the last two games for the Bolts after they were placed under the league's health and safety protocols.

Meanwhile, Black said that his son, Aaron, will still not play this week after sustaining a fractured ring finger during their win over Terrafirma on September 16.

—JMB, GMA News