Spanish coach: Pau Gasol's status in doubt ahead of U.S. showdown

The Spaniards may be without their best player ahead of their pivotal semifinal showdown against the United States.

Spanish head coach Sergio Scariolo revealed Wednesday that Pau Gasol is dealing with a calf injury, and that he could be sidelined for Friday's showdown.

"He is not well, I cannot say for sure that he is going to play," Scariolo said, as translated by Eurohoops.

"We continue with his treatments and the truth is that we need him right now. We hope his condition will evolve well and (he will) at least be ready to help as much as he can his teammates in the game. I cannot say anything more right now."

Gasol had his most muted game of the tournament in Wednesday's quarterfinals against France. The 36-year-old scored just five points on 2-of-7 shooting in 23 minutes of action.

It goes without saying that losing their star player would deal a death blow to the Spanish. Gasol leads La Roja in points, rebounds, blocks, and minutes played - they'll need him at his best against the undefeated Americans.

If Gasol were to be sidelined, the Spaniards would have an elderly Filipe Reyes and an inexperienced Willy Hernangomez to log minutes at center.

Led by Gasol, Spain pushed the Americans right down to the wire in each of the last two Olympic gold medal matches in 2008 and in 2012.

- with h/t Eye on Basketball