From PA International, Koper

Slovenia have been hit with a body blow in their preparations for the European Championships with forward Matjaz Smodis ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Smodis, embarking on a career with Skipper Bologna this season after spending the three previous years with cross-town rivals Virtus, has had an ailing back for several weeks and the national team have acknowledged that he has run of recovery time.

The 6ft 7in (200 cm) star played in four qualifying games and averaged more than nine points and four rebounds but he will not be going to Sweden.

He is the second big injury setback for Slovenia, with Sani Becirovic also unable to play.

The 6ft 4in (192 cm) point guard, though, has been a long-term absentee following two knee surgeries last season and Slovenia have never counted on his being in Sweden.

The guard is trying to get fit for the season although he is still looking for a club following his ugly break-up with Virtus Bologna.

Virtus, who released Becirovic earlier last season, were suspended from Italian basketball due to debts owed to the player but that ban was lifted on Tuesday.

National team manager Alesh Kravanja says the mood is still extremely upbeat in Koper, where Slovenia are currently working out.

"So far, so good," Kravanja told PA International on Tuesday.

"It’s been very good preparations. We have no other injuries. We’ve not really been counting on Smodis, anyway, since he was injured before we even began our preparations.

"The team is young but for many of the players, this isn’t their first European Championships. They have been together before and they are confident."

As for what will make Slovenia a force to be reckoned with in Sweden?

"We must play as a team, do well on defence, get fastbreaks and easy baskets," Kravanja said.