Faisal Halim expected back for light training within weeks

Faisal Halim has made a recovery after he was splashed with acid outside a shopping mall in May, leaving him in critical condition.

PETALING JAYA: Selangor FC forward Faisal Halim is expected to return to light training in about three weeks, thanks to positive developments in his recovery from an acid attack last month.

However, he will not immediately go back to training with the ball, according to Selangor FC chief executive Johan Kamal Hamidon, Harian Metro reported.

“Since his press conference (on June 13), his wounds have dried out and there have been positive developments. In two to three weeks, he will start returning to the field for light training.

“His fitness has naturally gone down, since it was the pre-season and he had not played football or done any physical activity for the past two months,” said Johan.

He added that the club was not in a hurry to get Faisal back on the pitch or in training, for fear of causing other injuries. “Although we know he’s a strong person, we cannot expose him to injuries that can be avoided.”

Faisal was left in critical condition after being splashed with acid at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara last month, causing fourth-degree burns to several parts of his body. Police have yet to arrest anyone or establish the motive.

The national player made his first public appearance since the incident at a press conference two weeks ago, visibly wounded and scarred.

The 26-year-old, who had lost about 4kg since the attack, said he had at one point considered hanging up his boots.