Bryan Bagunas has returned to intense training after a one-year layoff due to a knee injury, aiming to make up for lost time ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
He expressed happiness at being back on the court, acknowledging he is not yet at 100 percent but is pushing himself to match the team's current level.
His return comes just nine days before the 32-nation world championship begins, with matches to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Bagunas, who led the Philippines to a historic 2019 Southeast Asian Game silver medal run, embraces the team's underdog billing in Pool A where they will also battle Egypt, Iran, and Tunisia.
Fellow team leader Marck Espejo stated that the team is progressing towards its goal of being competitive in the tournament.
Espejo also highlighted the team's significant development, particularly during their recent two-week training camp in Europe, which included stops in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal, and was a huge help in facing high-level teams.
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