EUROBASKET 2011

Joakim Noah is expected to join France's EuroBasket preparations at the weekend after overcoming an ankle problem.

The Chicago Bulls center has been receiving treatment in Los Angeles and tests conducted on Monday said he is almost ready to go.

"There has been good progress with Joakim and he seems to have recovered well from the little problem he had," said France team director Patrick Beesley.

"The assessment carried out on Monday was positive. I am hopeful that he will be in Pau by the weekend."

France will spend the rest of the week in Pau before next week heading to Almeria for a warm-up tournament that includes reigning European champions Spain.

France have been drawn in Group B at the EuroBasket, putting them up against Serbia, Italy, Latvia, Germany and Israel.