ESP – Martinez back for Spain as Perez cuts Dominguez

MADRID (Olympics) – Nuria Martinez has recovered from the finger injury that kept her out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and will play for Spain at the Beijing Games.

Coach Evaristo Perez confirmed the playmaker had replaced Silvia Dominguez in the 12-strong group.

"I want to thank Silvia because she has helped us in training,” Perez said.

“It's a pity that we cannot take 13 players to Beijing."

The more experienced Martinez is thrilled to be headed to China.

"I am delighted to have fully adapted to the team and because I feel better and better as the days go by," Martinez said.

Spain’s EuroBasket Women 2007 MVP Amaya Valdemoro, meanwhile, is carrying an injury and wasn’t able to play in the warm-up tournament in Moscow against Russia, the Czech Republic or Israel.

"As of today, I do not know when I will be able to play and the form I will arrive in will not be the same as my players but my hope is to represent Spain in Beijing," Valdemoro said.

Laia Palau, Valdemoro’s Ros Casares teammate, picked up an ankle injury on Thursday in Moscow but is close to a full recovery.

"The pain was intense back then but it has only been a minor scare and I already feel better,” Palau said.

“In the next coming days, I will be 100%."

Spain squad for Olympics: Elisa Aguilar,  Nuria Martinez, Laia Palau, Isabel Sanchez, Amaya Valdemoro, Alba Torrens, Maria Revuelto, Anna Montañana,  Tamara Abalde, Lucila Pascua, Cindy Lima and Laura Nicholls.

FIBA