MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra forward Kevin Ferrer is hopeful that he can return to action by Friday, almost two weeks after suffering a scary head injury.

Ferrer fell on the side of his head during the second quarter of their PBA Governors' Cup game against TNT KaTropa last September 23, and had to be rushed to a hospital because his face was swelling.

He has missed Ginebra's next two games, including a 121-94 victory over the KaTropa in Game 1 of their PBA Governors' Cup semifinals series. However, Ferrer believes he is close to making a return.

"Hopefully, sa Friday, makabalik na talaga," said Ferrer, who is averaging 5.25 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in the season-ending conference.

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Ferrer said he is feeling much better now, and is just waiting for medical clearance to play again.

"Normal na, as in," he said. "Walang pain. Rest na lang talaga. Hinihintay na lang ang go-signal ng doctor."

Ferrer admits that the untimely nature of his injury has weighed on his spirits a bit, especially as Ginebra is in the thick of its title defense in the PBA Governors' Cup.

"Pero kailangan magpalakas eh," he was quick to add. "Eto 'yung panahon na hindi dapat ma-down."

"Kailangan ko paghandaan kung ano 'yung dadatnan ko," Ferrer also said. "Sana, maging malakas at better ako pagbalik ko."

Game 2 of the Ginebra-TNT series is on Wednesday night at the Batangas City Coliseum, with Game 3 set for Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

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