Why are Eda Erdem and Ebrar Karakurt not in the Sultans of the Net squad?
The squad for the Japan leg of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League for the Sultans of the Net has been announced. While Ebrar Karakurt is absent due to an ongoing injury, the absence of Eda Erdem from the list has also drawn attention.
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As the third-week matches of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League begin, the squad for the Japan leg of the Women's National Volleyball Team has been finalized. While many players, including Melissa Vargas, are on the list announced by the Turkish Volleyball Federation, the absence of Ebrar Karakurt and Eda Erdem has become a major topic of discussion among volleyball fans.
The Sultans of the Net played their first match in Japan against Poland as part of the final week of the group stage. The squad selections have brought questions about the health status of key player Ebrar Karakurt and the future of captain Eda Erdem back to the agenda.
WHY IS EBRAR KARAKURT NOT IN THE SQUAD?
The reason Ebrar Karakurt is not in the Japan leg squad is her recovery process from an injury. The national volleyball player had previously missed the second-week matches of the VNL due to health issues.
According to the federation's previous statement, detailed examinations were conducted after Karakurt's lower back and hip pain increased. Clinical evaluation and imaging results revealed fluid accumulation and bone marrow edema in the player's right sacroiliac joint. It was stated that the national player, whose treatment was initiated by the medical team, would have a recovery process lasting approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
For this reason, Ebrar Karakurt was not included in the Japan leg squad following the Ankara leg. Her return to the court is expected to be clarified after further checks by the medical team.
HAS EDA ERDEM RETIRED FROM THE NATIONAL TEAM?
Eda Erdem's absence from the squad also brought about questions regarding her national team career. However, no official statement has been made by the Turkish Volleyball Federation or Eda Erdem regarding her retirement from the national team.
WHY IS EDA ERDEM NOT IN THE SQUAD?
It is known that the technical staff under the management of Daniele Santarelli periodically rotates experienced players who face a heavy match schedule. It is stated that Eda Erdem is being rested during the VNL group stage as part of this planning and is expected to return to the team for the CEV European Championship later in the season.