Rio 2016 Olympic Games Spain set for basketball semi-final against Americans

After suffering a strained calf in the quarter-final against France, Spanish basketball coach Sergio Scariolo cannot guarantee Pau Gasol will be fit to face the United States.

Ahead of Friday's semi-final meeting with the famed dream team of the tournament, Spain's preparation has been thrown into chaos by the coach's admission.

"I cannot say for sure if he will play but we will follow the treatments and hopefully he will recover quickly," he explained.

It isn't in any doubt that the 36-year-old is the bona fide star of La Roja's team and whilst overcoming the United States will be a tall order regardless, his absence would make it even more challenging.

However Scariolo doesn't wish to jeopardize the forward's fitness by rushing him back into action.

"We know how critical Pau [Gasol] is to our team but his health is our priority, so we will see how he develops- we won't rush into a decision."

Kevin Durant, Paul George and Kyrie Irving have led the American team in Rio and their offensive play has been at times spectacular, yet the 55-year-old coach feels Spain's defence is strong enough to handle them.

"I can say that their level of individual talent is extraordinary but in terms of our defensive abilities this team is better than ever before- there are so many good defenders in this squad."

For all the talk of Gasol's potential injury it is worth remembering that along with Juan Carlos Navarro this may well be his last time in a Spanish jersey.