Germany's Satou Sabally on course for Paris 2024 return
Germany and Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally is expected to return to basketball action this summer, just in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The 26-year-old picked up a shoulder injury while helping her homeland qualify for the Games and it looks as though she will get the chance to represent her nation on the world stage despite being currently sidelined.
Sabally underwent surgery in February and is progressing well, according to Wings president Greg Bibb.
“She’s on schedule with her rehab,” he told reporters on Thursday (25 April).
“We expect Satou to come back around the Olympic break, be ready to compete for Germany in the Olympics, and then see her for sure in a Dallas Wings jersey over the final 15 games of the regular season.”
Last season the forward helped her side to the WNBA semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual champions Las Vegas Aces.
As a result of her efforts, she was voted as the league's Most Improved Player for 2023.
The new WNBA season will tip off on 14 May. The league is set for a mid-season break, commencing on July 17, to accommodate for the upcoming Games.
Dallas will face the Indiana Fever – home to 2024 no.1 draft pick Caitlin Clark – in their final game before the interval, with Connecticut Sun awaiting them on the other side.
“Fortunately, we have a deep and talented roster that we’ve been building over the last 3-4 years,” Bibb added.
“While you can never truly replace [Sabally], I think we can hold down the fort until she gets back."
Sabally’s Germany will start their Olympic campaign in Group C, alongside the United States, Japan, and Belgium.
Their opening game will come against the Belgians on Monday (29 July).