Serbian basketball player loses kidney after pulling elbow in FIBA ​​World Cup game

Borisa Simanić — a 25-year-old member of the Serbia national team — had his kidney removed over the weekend… after the power forward was injured while on duty at a FIBA ​​World Championship game last week.

Simanić had been guarding South Sudan Nuni Omot during their competition in the Philippines on August 30th…when Omot seemingly accidentally elbowed the big man right into his side.

Simanić – a member of the Utah Jazz’s summer league team last year – was writhing in pain … and hours later he needed emergency surgery at a local hospital to fix the problems the accidental collision had caused.

Unfortunately Serbian coach Swetislaw Pesic said Simanić suffered a setback in his recovery over the weekend… and according to Serbia team officials, he then had to have one of his kidneys removed on Sunday.

He is expected to remain in the Philippines for the foreseeable future while he recovers.

For his part, Omot released a statement on Monday saying he had no intention of hurting Simanić.

“As an athlete, I understand firsthand how serious his situation is and I am deeply sorry that this happened,” Omot said. “No player should have to go through that. I am praying for Simanić’s recovery and a speedy return to the pitch.”