Gabriel Deck's injury more serious than initially thought: Real Madrid without key forward ahead of Olimpia Milano away game
Real Madrid's basketball team is preparing for its EuroLeague away game against Olimpia Milano amid growing uncertainty over Gabriel Deck's fitness. The Argentine international injured his left shoulder on October 6, and Madrid head coach Pedro Martínez confirmed after the league victory over Manresa on October 11 that the problem was more serious than initially expected. Deck has already missed the EuroLeague game against Partizan and Sunday's Spanish league fixture, while an official estimate of how long he will be sidelined has yet to be released. The news comes at a time when Real Madrid, after three defeats in its first four European appearances, is trying to establish consistency in both results and performances.
According to a report by the EFE news agency, carried by Mundo Deportivo, Martínez said after the 120-83 victory over Kids&Us Manresa that he expected the club to release an update on Deck's condition soon. He acknowledged that the injury had proved more serious than initially assumed, but also stressed that he did not know the exact recovery timeline or which treatment approach would be chosen. Therefore, there is currently no basis for predicting how many weeks Deck might be absent, whether surgery could be necessary or when he might return to training. What has been confirmed is the Argentine's absence from two consecutive games and the growing concern following additional medical assessments.
From cautious optimism to a more serious injury assessment
The change in the Madrid coach's public statements illustrates how information has developed over recent days. At a press conference on October 7, ahead of the EuroLeague clash with Partizan, Martínez confirmed that Deck had injured his left shoulder and would not play for the remainder of that week. At the time, according to the club's official announcement, he said the problem did not appear serious at first glance, although he refrained from making a definitive assessment because medical examinations were still ongoing. Four days later, his message was considerably more cautious: the injury was more serious than expected, and the final recovery plan remained unknown.
Deck sustained the injury on Tuesday, October 6, and the first competitive consequence was his absence from the game against Belgrade's Partizan on October 8. He also did not play three days later, when Real Madrid hosted Manresa in the third round of Spain's Liga Endesa. For the Madrid club, this means the coaching staff must plan upcoming commitments without one of its more experienced players in the forward positions. Since a detailed diagnosis has not been publicly confirmed, it is impossible to reliably assess whether the problem will result only in a short-term absence or affect a significantly larger portion of the autumn schedule.
It is important to distinguish the coach's assessment of the injury's seriousness from an official medical diagnosis. A statement that the condition is worse than expected does not reveal the exact nature of the damage or determine the treatment required. In professional basketball, the shoulder is essential for shooting, catching the ball, defensive contact and finishing plays near the basket, so the decision to return depends on functional recovery rather than simply the absence of pain. In Deck's case, however, medical details have not been released, and any more specific prediction would be speculation. The club has yet to clarify how long the coach will be unable to call upon the Argentine basketball player.
Problems with the same shoulder had already emerged during the summer
The fact that Deck also experienced difficulties with his left shoulder while playing for Argentina's national team in late August has attracted additional attention. EFE reports that he complained about his shoulder during the 2027 World Cup qualifying game against Puerto Rico, which Argentina won 89-75. Several days later, against Canada, he had to leave the court during the second quarter and did not return to the game. The International Basketball Federation, FIBA, also identified Deck's injury as a negative development for Argentina in its review of that international qualifying window.
FIBA data shows that Deck scored 23 points against Puerto Rico on August 27, while on August 31 against Canada he played approximately 12 minutes and scored six points. After defeating Puerto Rico, Argentina lost 97-92 to Canada, and the national team's schedule formed an important part of its campaign to qualify for the World Cup. The recurrence of problems on the same side of his body naturally raises the question of whether there is a connection between the difficulties experienced in August and the current injury. However, no such connection has been medically confirmed, and it should not be presented as an established fact.
Real Madrid demonstrated its squad depth against Manresa
Despite Deck's absence, Madrid convincingly defeated Kids&Us Manresa 120-83 at Movistar Arena on October 11. According to the club's official report, the hosts took control in the first quarter after an evenly contested opening, finishing the period with a 34-22 lead. By halftime, the advantage had increased to 62-38, and after 30 minutes the score stood at 86-56. Real Madrid did not slow down in the final quarter either, making its 120-point total its best offensive performance of the season so far.
Olivier Sarr was Real Madrid's leading scorer with 16 points, while Gabriele Procida added 15. Nick Smith Jr. scored 14, and the team received contributions from numerous bench players. According to a report from Spain's ACB league, nine Madrid players achieved double-digit performance index ratings, illustrating how widely the contributions were distributed. Real Madrid thus recorded its third victory in its opening three league games and maintained a perfect record in domestic competition. However, the margin of victory itself does not answer how the team will function against stronger European opponents without an important member of its forward rotation.
The game against Manresa also carried statistical significance. According to the ACB, the Madrid club has scored more than 120 points in a single league game only twice during the 21st century: 131 against UCAM Murcia after overtime in 2026 and 129 against Fuenlabrada in 2016. After the game, Martínez particularly praised the team's approach and the contributions of players who had previously received limited playing time. His message, published on Real Madrid's official website, was that the squad's strength must come from collective play rather than dependence on one or two individuals. Such an approach becomes even more important during a period when injuries and a congested schedule are part of everyday competitive life.
Victory over Partizan provided the first European relief
Just three days before the domestic league encounter, Real Madrid defeated Partizan 86-76 in the fourth round of the EuroLeague. It was the team's first victory of the season in Europe's elite competition following defeats in its opening three games against Dubai, Anadolu Efes and Hapoel Tel Aviv. According to the club's analysis, Madrid established its advantage against the Belgrade side through more solid defense, good control of turnovers and effective performances from its perimeter players. Partizan reduced the deficit during the second half but could not complete the comeback.
Facundo Campazzo and Theo Maledon played important roles in organizing the offense, while Walter Tavares was influential in the paint. Real Madrid's report particularly emphasized the collective contribution and the fact that eight players scored between seven and 13 points. The game also demonstrated that Martínez already has solutions for some of Deck's playing minutes, including in perimeter and forward positions. Nevertheless, one successful evening does not guarantee that the same balance will be reproduced in every game. Against different defensive systems and physically demanding opponents, the absence of an experienced player can change the available rotation options.
Two teams seeking a better European start meet in Milan
Real Madrid's next challenge is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, against EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in the fifth round of the EuroLeague. According to the Madrid club's official schedule, tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. local time in Italy. The game will take place at Unipol Forum in Assago, within the metropolitan Milan area, as confirmed by the arena's own calendar. Madrid enters the contest with a EuroLeague record of one victory and three defeats and a clear need to turn its success against Partizan into a run of improved results.
The Milan team is also approaching the contest under pressure to improve its results. Olimpia likewise recorded one victory in its first four EuroLeague games, against Virtus Bologna, alongside defeats to Partizan, Baskonia and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Its latest European defeat, 97-79 against Maccabi on October 8, increased the need for a response. However, the team coached by Giuseppe "Peppe" Poeta convincingly defeated Nutribullet Treviso 106-77 in the Italian league on Sunday, October 11. According to Sky Sport's report, Milan established the decisive difference with a 17-0 run in the second quarter, while Jason Burnell led the scoring with 19 points.
Consequently, the game in Milan is not merely another fixture on the schedule but a meeting between two teams that demonstrated offensive efficiency in their domestic leagues over the weekend while searching for stability in the EuroLeague. Real Madrid will attempt to maintain the rhythm and depth of play displayed against Manresa, while Milan will seek to carry the energy from its victory over Treviso into a more demanding contest. Defensive adaptability, control of rebounds and the distribution of minutes among forward players will be particularly important for the visitors. For the hosts, a successful performance would provide an opportunity to improve their European record ahead of another game on the same court.
A congested schedule leaves little room for adjustment
The visit to Olimpia also opens a double-game EuroLeague week for Real Madrid. As early as Thursday, October 15, the Madrid club is scheduled to host France's ASVEL Villeurbanne, according to the published calendar. Milan will face Dubai Basketball at home on the same day. A gap of just two days between European games limits the time available for training, recovery and tactical adjustments. That is precisely why the deeper rotation Martínez discussed after the Manresa game is not merely an advantage in convincing victories but also a potential response to unexpected absences.
According to the official schedule, the 2026/27 EuroLeague season features 20 participating teams and 38 regular-season rounds, meaning that the result of any individual October game cannot be regarded as a final judgment on the entire season. Nevertheless, early defeats increase the importance of every subsequent contest, particularly when teams are trying to establish their offensive and defensive identities. Martínez, who took charge of Real Madrid in July following Sergio Scariolo's departure, emphasizes collective play as the foundation of his approach. Deck's injury will now test how quickly that philosophy can be sustained with a different distribution of roles.
Deck's importance extends beyond the number of points he scores
Gabriel Deck is one of the most recognizable members of Madrid's squad and Argentina's national team. He is a player capable of operating in several forward positions, contributing through post-up play, attacking available space and taking on demanding defensive assignments. His value is therefore not limited to individual statistics: his experience, physical strength in contact situations and ability to allow the team to change lineups without major adjustments to its playing style are also important. In a competition characterized by frequent travel and short intervals between games, such versatility is particularly valuable.
In June 2023, Real Madrid officially confirmed an extension of Deck's contract until June 30, 2028, highlighting his club trophies and international achievements. These included winning the European championship with Real Madrid and the gold medal with Argentina at the 2022 AmeriCup, where he was named the tournament's most valuable player. These achievements explain why the question of his recovery matters beyond the immediate preparations for the game in Italy. Deck is part of the club's long-term sporting plans, and his continued availability is important for the distribution of responsibilities within the team.
Ahead of the visit to Olimpia Milano, therefore, a clear distinction remains between confirmed facts and unanswered questions. Deck injured his left shoulder, missed the games against Partizan and Manresa, and on October 11 the coach publicly confirmed that the condition was more serious than initially believed. The exact diagnosis, treatment approach and return date have not been announced. In the meantime, Real Madrid will attempt to capitalize on the positive momentum following two victories, while the real consequences of the Argentine forward's absence will become clearer during the upcoming EuroLeague challenges.
Sources:
- EFE / Mundo Deportivo – Pedro Martínez's statement and the chronology of Gabriel Deck's injury (link)
- Real Madrid – the coach's statement about Deck's shoulder before the game against Partizan (link)
- Real Madrid – report on the victory over Manresa and player performances (link)
- ACB – statistical data from the Manresa game and club records (link)
- Real Madrid – analysis of the EuroLeague victory over Partizan (link)
- Real Madrid – EuroLeague schedule for the 2026/27 season (link)
- FIBA – Deck's international appearances and August injury (link)
- FIBA – Gabriel Deck's statistics in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers (link)
- Sky Sport Italia – Olimpia Milano's victory over Treviso and the team's situation (link)
- Unipol Forum – date and venue of the Milano vs Real Madrid game (link)
- Real Madrid – extension of Gabriel Deck's contract until 2028 (link)
- Real Madrid – Martínez's assessment of the team after the Manresa game (link)