The Estonia men's national basketball team is gearing up to continue their World Cup qualifying campaign this week with two matches against Sweden. Siim-Sander Vene, who recently recovered from a knee injury sustained during last summer's European Championships, has rejoined the team and commented to ERR that while he feels generally fit, he has not yet delivered his best performances. The team had a strong start to the qualifiers last November, winning against Slovenia in a thrilling overtime victory but faced a tough loss to the Czech Republic in their latest match.

Vene's return is particularly significant as he was sidelined for a considerable period to recover from his injury, making his contributions vital for the national squad as they aim for a successful qualification. He has been playing an average of over 20 minutes per game and has shown promising performances during this return phase, despite acknowledging that he hasn't reached peak form. According to Vene, his physical condition is acceptable and he has worked through any discomfort or pain, indicating a physical readiness ahead of the crucial matches against Sweden.

As the Estonian team prepares for these qualifiers, the spotlight remains on their ability to capitalize on their strengths, with players like Vene expected to help lead the team through this critical phase. Success in these matches could significantly boost their chances for the World Cup, making the upcoming games a pivotal opportunity for both Vene and the entire national team.