Victor Wembanyama Injury Update: Spurs Coach Sounds Alarm Bells for Lakers as French Superstar's Urgent Comeback Ambition Revealed

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson has shared an update on Victor Wembanyama's injury. Wembanyama hasn't played since Nov. 16, when he was diagnosed with a strained left calf. Johnson also provided some good news about Stephon Castle.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Johnson said that Wembanyama and Castle are not going with the team at the start of their road trip. The coach did confirm that both players are recovering well from their respective injuries, and it's only a matter of time before they return to the court.

"No flight tracking needed," Johnson said, according to Sports Illustrated. "It’s a long trip, so we will see where it goes. They are progressing. They just want to be around, whether they're able to be on the court or not, and they all want to be on the court as well. Sometimes we've got to save them from themselves and do what we think is what’s in (the) best interest for themselves and for the team."

According to San Antonio Spurs beat reporter Matthew Tynan, Mitch Johnson added that the medical team hasn't ruled out Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle from returning during the road trip.

Johnson also revealed that both players are telling him that they want to be ready for their NBA Cup showdown against the LA Lakers on Dec. 10. However, he didn't confirm if it's the return timeline for both players because it's not his job to clear them from their injuries.

Matthew Tynan

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Johnson said both Victor and Steph are in his ear about the NBA Cup game Dec. 10 in Los Angeles, and added: ​“Luckily I’m removed from all those decisions. I’m just doing what I’m told.”

The San Antonio Spurs have gone 6-2 since Victor Wembanyama went down with his calf injury. De'Aaron Fox and the rest of the squad have been playing really well and holding down the fort before the "Alien" returns.

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Victor Wembanyama enjoying role as cheerleader

Since he can't play because of his calf injury, Victor Wembanyama is putting all of his effort into being a cheerleader for his team. Wembanyama has even helped the San Antonio Spurs' supporter section, called "The Jackals," with different chants and cheers.

De'Aaron Fox told Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News how important it was for the team to have Wembanyama encouraging them on the sidelines.

"All Vic wants to do is win, regardless of if he's playing or not," Fox said. "With him being out, I don't think that was going to make him sit there and just watch the game. He's in it just as much as he is when he is playing. That's what you want out of a guy like that."

Wembanyama was having an MVP campaign before going down with an injury, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.6 blocks per game.