Jayson Castro nearing return from long injury layoff as TNT star eyes comeback next PBA conference

TNT Tropang Giga veteran Jayson Castro has missed the entire 2025 PBA Philippine Cup as he continues to work his way back from a major right knee injury suffered earlier this year.

The 38-year-old floor general went down during Game 2 of TNT’s semifinal series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the previous conference, an incident that immediately raised concern given the severity of the injury. Early reports projected a recovery timeline of around six months—an outlook that effectively ruled Castro out for the opening conference of the league’s landmark 50th season and forced TNT to navigate the all-Filipino tournament without one of its most decorated and dependable leaders.

Despite the long layoff, there is growing optimism inside the TNT camp that Castro’s return is right around the corner.

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Encouraging signs surfaced during Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, when Castro was spotted joining the team during shootaround. Moving comfortably and showing no obvious signs of discomfort, the former Best Player of the Conference appeared eager to ramp up his preparations as the Tropang Giga chase a title with him watching from the sidelines.

WATCH: Jayson Castro is raring to return next conference after working out before Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Castro has been out since last year due to a ruptured patellar tendon on his left knee. #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/zp4iIQXABI

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 21, 2026

Castro also provided an upbeat update on his status, sharing that his recovery has progressed significantly in recent weeks thanks to consistent rehabilitation and additional work on his own time.

“I have been doing some extra work so that I could shake off some rust,” Castro told reporters at the venue. “But my progress has been great and my recovery has been tremendous because of the work being done by our physiotherapists.”

While he remains cautious and focused on ensuring his knee is fully strengthened before returning to game action, Castro believes he is nearing full health and is targeting the next PBA conference for his comeback—news that could provide TNT a major boost heading into the next phase of the season.

“I’m still focused on strengthening my knee, but I think I’m fully recovered,” he added.

Castro’s return would not only restore TNT’s backcourt depth, but also bring back a proven winner whose experience, leadership, and playmaking have long been central to the franchise’s success. With the Tropang Giga still fighting for the Philippine Cup crown, having their longtime star nearing a comeback could be the best possible reinforcement TNT can look forward to once the next conference begins.

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