Kai Sotto showed up at the Gilas Pilipinas training on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.

But it doesn't mean that he's already cleared to see action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup set to open two weeks from now at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Sotto's father, former Philippine Basketball Association cager Ervin Sotto, said his son insisted to join the Gilas training despite nursing a back injury that he sustained in the National Basketball Association Summer League in Las Vegas.

He said the younger Sotto is still three sessions away from completing the 12-session rehabilitation for his back spasm and they are hoping that he will be issued the medical clearance before the prestigious 32-nation spectacle tips off on 25 August.

In a previous statement, Ervin stressed that Sotto's treatment will be completed on 21 August, barely four days before Gilas battle Dominican Republic in the opener.

"He just really wanted to go there," Ervin told Daily Tribune, adding that his son was limited to light shooting and running.

"He wants to attend the training, even though he's not allowed to do contact drills."

In a telephone conversation, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio reiterated that the only way for the 21-year-old Sotto to suit up is if he presents a medical clearance.

After all, presenting a medical clearance is a standard operating procedure of all national federations to their athletes who came from injuries.

"We're liable to the safety of our players," Panlilio said.

"Yes, we know that he has attended the past few practices, but he's not allowed to do contact drills and how fit he will be for the FIBA World Cup is a big question."