Will Faisal Halim ever play again?

SHAH ALAM - The prospect of Harimau Malaya winger Faisal Halim's return to the pitch after suffering severe fourth-degree burns from an acid attack last Sunday has raised questions among fans.

Sports analyst Zakaria Rahim said that as an internationally recognised athlete, Faisal's path back to his previous form demands significant effort, time, sacrifice, and strict discipline.

He noted that the Harimau Malaya squad would feel the absence of the 26-year-old player during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers next June.

Zakaria suggested that unless a miraculous recovery occurs, Faisal's professional and international football career might be effectively over.

"I arrived at this conclusion after reviewing newspaper reports, conducting research on fourth-degree burns, and consulting with various medical professionals, including doctors, medical lecturers, and experts," he said.

Zakaria also pointed out that fourth-degree burns are inherently severe, with the involved acid posing risks of penetrating the body and affecting muscles and the nervous system.

He stressed that such burns could essentially render Faisal's years of muscle development akin to that of someone who never exercised, and nerve damage might lead to loss of sensation in the injured area.

"The most concerning aspect is the potential for the spilled acid to spread and harm his kidneys.

"We hope to prevent this scenario. The situation is becoming increasingly critical and aggressive," he added.

Zakaria highlighted that Faisal's morale and emotions have also taken a toll due to the extreme trauma, and it's anticipated that he will require plastic surgery, albeit not in the immediate future.

"It's evident that, for the time being, Faisal must set aside football and concentrate on bolstering his spirit to mitigate life-threatening risks.

"Faisal must exhibit strength and resilience to avoid being classified as disabled due to nerve damage upon recovery.

"Let's collectively pray for Faisal to rediscover his zeal for recovery.

"Faisal is not only an asset to Selangor football but also a national sports treasure," he said.