Victor Wembanyama (Image Credits: Imagn)

Fan Travels All the Way From Italy to See Victor Wembanyama Only for Injury News to Change Everything

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 10:30 AM ET

Victor Wembanyama is making some steady MVP progress at the moment. Giving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a run for his money, the 22-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the NBA. Unfortunately, owing to an injury hazard, the San Antonio Spurs’ star could not suit up in their latest game. And that left some overseas fans utterly disappointed.

The Spurs clashed against the Portland Trail Blazers recently. While fans waited for Victor Wembanyama to start, a rib contusion forced him to the bench. And even as the team won 112-101, fans traveling from Italy did not like the turn of events.

In a recently uploaded video X, the Italian fan could be seen holding up a poster that read, “We came all the way from Italy to see Wemby!” Immediately, the cameras panned towards the 22-year-old, who seemed embarrassed after watching what the fans had to say.

Fan travelled from Italy to San Antonio to see Wemby, who is not playing tonight due to injury. pic.twitter.com/ZIhSDdfNpU
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 9, 2026

Surely, such news highlights the extent of ‘Wemby’s impact as a star performer. After endorsing himself as the MVP, the French center was recently praised by Tyrese Haliburton.

Meanwhile, as the Spurs are aiming for the championship, things are looking pretty concerning for the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year.

When Will Victor Wembanyama Come Back From His Rib Injury?

On Monday, Wembanyama played just 16 minutes and registered 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks against the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, the game left him with a rib injury. With the playoffs coming up, the front office would want their star player to recover soon.

The Spurs are scheduled to host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Ahead of the game, head coach Mitch Johnson provided an update on Wembanyama. The coach claimed the 22-year-old might be out for the Mavericks game.

While Johnson has not provided a definite timeline for his return, he stated that Wembanyama has been ‘improving.’ A typical rib contusion typically takes 3-6 weeks to heal. Thus, with fans eagerly awaiting, Wembanyama’s return is now a priority.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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