KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor players sorely miss their teammate Faisal Halim, who couldn't train with them after a shocking acid attack left him with serious injuries.
They not only miss Faisal's great skill, but also the exuberance and liveliness that he brings to the training ground.
The absence of the 26-year-old star, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, has greatly affected the mood in the Red Giants' camp as they prepare for the new Super League season.
Selangor FC chief medical officer, Dr Hazwan Khair, said: "We are constantly monitoring the emotional and psychological state of our players since the incident involving Faisal.
"All the players are maintaining their professionalism and training as usual despite the challenges facing the team.
"The medical team is always monitoring the players' condition, especially concerning their emotions, and currently, the situation within the Selangor camp is improving.
"We all know Faisal is a cheerful person, so when he is absent from camp, the atmosphere becomes somewhat quiet and different," he added.
Faisal, fondly known as Mickey to hia fans, has just undergone his third surgery, involving a 'skin allograft' procedure that lasted about three hours.
Faisal reportedly suffered fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body, including his hands, back, and face after being splashed with sulphuric acid by two unknown assailants at a shopping centre in Kota Damansara recently.
As a result of the injuries, Faisal, who is also a key player for the national team, will miss two World Cup qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan next month.