Magnolia star Calvin Abueva's absence is set to be extended as he suffered another injury while preparing for his return to action in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup.

Hotshots coach Chito Victolero said Abueva was supposed to return when they face NLEX today after recovering from a hemorrhoids operation.

But he suffered a calf injury that would sideline him for another four to six weeks. "I'm sorry to say but Calvin won't be ready to play in our next game because he suffered a calf strain," Victolero said during the Down To The Wire, the weekly sports show of Daily Tribune.

"His return will be delayed."

Abueva is very much eager to return to action, especially after missing a chance to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the 19th Asian Games last October.

In previous Daily Tribune interviews, the 35-year-old forward expressed his desire to help the Hotshots in their bid to win their first title since ruling the Governors' Cup in 2018.

Unfortunately, he struggled to stay healthy and suffered yet another setback in his road to recovery.

"He suffered the calf injury only last Friday," Victolero said.

"He needs to strengthen and undergo rehab in the next three to four weeks. That's the update given to him."

Victolero added that they will not force Abueva to play heavy minutes. After all, things are going well in their campaign after they posted four straight wins in the early stretch of the season-opening conference.

"Hopefully, in our game before Christmas, he could play his first game this season," Victolero said.

"If not, probably in (our) New Year (game). It's just frustrating because he's already ready to play until he suffers another injury. We didn't expect this injury to happen."

The Magnolia mentor added that Abueva has been displaying a tremendous amount of energy in practice before the injury happened.

"That same motor he's been showing during the games, it's the same he brings during practice," Victolero said.

"His mindset is the same, be it actual game or practice: Go hard."