An injury scare involving Luis Villegas briefly cast a shadow over the team’s latest outing, but head coach Yeng Guiao moved quickly to ease concerns, saying the young forward’s knee issue is not serious and is being handled with caution.

Villegas drew worried looks late in the game after he landed awkwardly and grabbed his knee, forcing him to leave the floor. With knee injuries often unpredictable, the moment immediately sparked concern among teammates and fans, especially considering how important Villegas has become in the rotation.

Speaking after the game, Guiao said initial evaluations were encouraging and showed no signs of major damage. According to the veteran coach, the injury appears to be minor and more related to discomfort than anything that would require a long recovery.

Guiao explained that Villegas did not experience sharp pain or instability, which are often red flags when it comes to knee injuries. Team doctors examined him right away and found no indication of structural problems, allowing the coaching staff to breathe a little easier.

Villegas himself showed positive signs soon after. He was able to walk without assistance and remained active around the team following the game. While he will continue to be monitored, there was no sense of panic surrounding his condition.

The scare came at a time when Villegas had been steadily earning his minutes. Known for his relentless energy, he has carved out a role by doing the small things—crashing the boards, defending multiple positions, and providing hustle plays that lift the team. Those contributions have made him a valuable piece, even if they do not always stand out statistically.

Guiao acknowledged that Villegas’ presence has been important, particularly in bringing intensity when he checks in. Losing that kind of effort, even briefly, would have affected the team’s rhythm. That made the early medical feedback especially reassuring.

Despite the positive outlook, Guiao emphasized that the team will not take unnecessary risks. He stressed that knee concerns, no matter how minor they seem, require proper rest and evaluation to avoid aggravation.

“We’ll take it step by step,” Guiao said. “If the doctors feel he needs time, then we’ll give him that. We’re thinking long-term.”

Villegas is expected to undergo continued observation over the next few days. The team’s medical staff will monitor swelling, mobility, and overall comfort before making any decision about his return to game action. Guiao noted that the discomfort could simply be the result of accumulated fatigue and contact rather than a single damaging incident.

For Villegas, the situation served as a reminder of how demanding the league can be. The physical nature of the game, combined with a tight schedule, places constant stress on players’ bodies. Teammates shared that while Villegas was initially frustrated about not finishing the game, his outlook improved once he learned the injury was not serious.

Guiao also pointed out the importance of managing player health throughout the season. With games coming frequently, recovery and load management have become key priorities, particularly for younger players still adjusting to the professional level.

At this point, Villegas is listed as day-to-day. Guiao did not rule out resting him in the next game as a precaution, even if he is medically cleared, emphasizing that caution now can prevent bigger problems later.

What stands out is the sense of relief surrounding the situation. Instead of dealing with a potentially long absence, the team is focused on ensuring Villegas returns only when he is fully ready.

For now, Guiao’s message was clear: the injury scare was just that a scare. And with careful monitoring and patience, Luis Villegas is expected to be back on the floor without any lingering issues.