Volleyball

Tirol breathe a sigh of relief: Nath attacks in the final

Arthur Nath reports back in time.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The break until the first final match against Hartberg on Wednesday (20:20) felt like an eternity. The volleyball players from champions Hypo Tirol are eagerly awaiting the start of the series and can once again rely on their injured Brazilian outside attacker.

The long wait comes to an end on Wednesday, when they face Hartberg (best of 7) for the AVL title. After the last game of the tough semi-final series against Aich/Dob, the Tyroleans had a 17-day break. Plenty of time to recover from injuries and aches and pains. It was particularly good for Arthur Nath's recovery process. The Brazilian is on the verge of a comeback after tearing two ligaments in his ankle. And sooner than expected.

Joker for the opener
"He's training normally again. We're just being cautious with the blocking situations," reported coach Stefan Chrtiansky after the training session on Sunday: "I'll bring him on as a wild card. But it's still three days away. It's also a mental thing." The 24-year-old wing attacker had injured himself in training before the third semi-final match. 

Wait and see for Varblane
Mihkel Varblane suffered an injury in the fourth match against the Carinthians. The Estonian twisted his ankle during a block. "He's very doubtful," said Chrtiansky. The 24-year-old's absence would hurt, but Hypo should be able to cope with its strong squad. "Everyone says we're the favorites. But anything can always happen in a final."