The Spanish Basketball team that travels to Turkey in August to defend its crown as world champions will have to do so without star player Pau Gasol.

The power forward, who plays for the reigning NBA Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, sent an open letter to the press explaining that he does not expect to be in condition to help the Spanish defend the crown they won in Japan in 2006.

"After a period of reflection with my doctors, physical preparers and physiotherapists, both Spanish and American, I have told the President of the Spanish Basketball Federation Jose Luis Saez and the coach, Sergio Scariolo, that current circumstances go against my participation in the next World Championships," confirmed Gasol in a letter to the Spanish press.

"This year I have suffered two important muscle injuries, the first in my career, and I believe that the time has come to rest. I think it is better to choose the moment rather than for my body to choose it for me at the least appropriate moment," explained Gasol, adding that he would want to return to the national team in the future.

Spain coach Scariolo admitted he was disappointed to lose his star player. "We are not going to look for a substitute for him, because one doesn't exist," he said. Nevertheless, Scariolo accepted the decision of his star.

"Because of the commitment and the dedication that he has shown to us over all of these years, we have to respect it," he said.

Barcelona power forward Fran Vazquez will almost certainly replace Gasol in the Spain squad.

The World Championships are to be held in Turkey from August 28 until September 12.

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