KUALA LUMPUR: Physically, Faisal Halim seems to be on the mend from the horrific acid attack, but his mental health will be a concern.
There is a high possibility of the national football star suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) apart from being self-conscious about the scars on his face and body.
Faisal, 26, suffered fourth-degree burns after a stranger attacked him with acid at a shopping centre in Damansara on May 5.
Selangor's sports science department chief, Dr Hazwan Khair said Faisal's rehabilation will include physiotherapy, psychological and psychiatrist treatment.
"We follow Mickey's (Faisal's nickname) comfort in this process because we know what brings him to the field, so we are just helping to expedite the process," said Hazwan.
"That's why I'm not setting any timeframe for Mickey to return to football because it's not just about physical condition but also his emotional and psychological state.
"People ask when he can return to football, but it's not just about his physical state, it also involves emotional and psychological aspects. We have planned steps and variables for Mickey, including brain stimulation, games for concentration, stress management, and others.
"However, we have to see the variables accordingly with the wounds' condition. On the medical science side, we had discussions with a psychologist and psychiatrist for periodical evaluation."
Faisal, in his first public appearance at a press conference yesterday, still seemed to struggle with his mobility due to the wounds.
Hazwan said a physiotherapy team are focusing on Faisal's shoulder and elbow in their effort to restore functional movement to his body and help the Selangor winger live his daily life unhindered.
"After the last surgery (Faisal had four), his movement was quite limited. What's visible now is the dried skin, and he will shed it. This is expected and the rehabilitation has begun," added Hazwan.