KUALA LUMPUR: National winger Faisal Halim faces an arduous return to football and his career could even end prematurely following a horrific acid attack by unknown assailants.
Olympic Council of Malaysia Medical and Anti-Doping chairman Datuk Dr SS Cheema said today it is difficult for a footballer to return to form from injuries of such magnitude.
However, Dr Cheema said he believes Faisal's fighting spirit could make a difference.
Faisal, whose goal against South Korea at the Asian Cup in Doha in January was voted the "best" of the tournament by fans, was reported to be splashed with concentrated sulphuric acid at a shopping centre in Damansara and is now in critical condition.
Dr Cheema said: "The injuries were initially reported as second-degree burns, but the recent report says that it's fourth-degree burns. This is a very serious injury.
"This type of burn affects subcutaneous tissues and muscles. It depends on which part of the body the injuries are, and it could affect mobility.
"The pictures showed burns on the upper body and arms. There were no signs of injuries on his legs or feet, so he could still play football. But there could be psychological trauma."
Cheema said Faisal's treatment could involve skin graft surgeries, and the psychological aspect of his recovery also needs to be given focus.
"The mental part of the recovery process needs a lot of attention. The rehabilitation could be intensive. He could be immobile for a long period of time.
"A lot of top athletes have made returns from severe injuries. Faisal is still young, he could still return to football."
Faisal underwent a four-hour surgery on Sunday, and is reported to be still in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital. He is expected to undergo at least two more surgeries.
It is reported that the 26-year-old Selangor player cannot feel sensation in his left arm.
FA of Selangor deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar said Faisal's movements and speech have been affected after the acid's attack on his face. The left side of his body and arm are severely affected.
Faisal, affectionately known as "Mickey" to fans, is likely to miss Malaysia's remaining two World Cup qualifiers next month.