Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo and star guard Chris Newsome only have one fervent wish for the new year – a complete lineup for the team’s playoff drive heading into the second half of their elimination schedule.

Having to juggle their time competing in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup and the second season of home-and-away East Asia Super League, the Bolts have been dealing with injuries and have not really been at full strength so far.

Meralco ended 2024 with a 3-2 record in the PBA although on a two-game slide while it has an even 2-2 slate in the EASL.

"We're trying, but we're a little bit bugbog. The problem is we can't get a full (lineup). May injuries, but tanggap namin yun," said Trillo who missed guys like Allein Maliksi, Chris Banchero, Raymond Almazan, Aaron Black, CJ Cansino, Brandon Bates and even import Akil Mitchell during some stretches in eliminations.

Maliksi and Mitchell managed to return and play for the team’s Christmas Day match against Converge but the two were still obviously searching for their groove.

"We have new guys coming back, but sometimes those things can hurt you more rather than help you kasi kakapa pa sila. And they're still finding their rhythm,” he pointed out.

With a week's rest though, the Bolts are hopeful to renew their energy while also welcoming some of their key players back in time for the crucial stretch of the eliminations.

“We gotta get back to the drawing board. Hopefully, we can get a lot of our guys back.

"We've been hit with an injury bug the last few weeks,” said Newsome who himself dislocated a finger but managed to pop it back during their last game.

“It's about allowing them to get their rhythm back. Guys like AB, CB. We need Raymond back and of course Bates back.Allow them to get their rhythm. Again, it's just about staying together, staying positive  and fighting through the highs and lows,” he added.