Athens, Greece – Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens center Mathias Lessort is expected back on the court in November, according to head coach Ergin Ataman, after a long injury layoff that sidelined him for much of 2024.
Lessort, who fractured his fibula on December 19, made a brief comeback during the EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi last May. However, the French big man was quickly shut down again, missing the Greek League Finals and all summer competitions.
Ataman Confirms Timeline
Coach Ataman explained that Lessort’s short-lived return in May was not rushed, but simply came before the player had regained his full rhythm.
“Lessort’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Final Four wasn’t a miscalculation,” Ataman told Sport24. “He was ready after one month of hard individual and some team training. He wanted to play. But he had missed four months and lost rhythm. Doctors told us he needs more time to be 100%. He’ll return in November, about 1–1.5 months from now.”
EuroBasket 2025 Absence
This summer, Lessort was included in France’s preliminary EuroBasket roster, but medical evaluations from both Panathinaikos and the French national team determined he wasn’t fit to compete. In agreement with the club and player, France officially ruled him out of the tournament.
Panathinaikos Facing Early Absences
Panathinaikos will begin the 2025–26 EuroLeague season without two key players: Lessort and forward Cedi Osman, who is also recovering from injury. The Greens will open their campaign against FC Bayern Munich missing major frontcourt depth, but expect to have Lessort fully available by midseason.
Lessort’s return will be a major boost for Panathinaikos, as the French center has established himself as one of Europe’s premier big men, known for his physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence.