KUALA LUMPUR: A major scare unfolded in the national junior hockey camp when skipper Faris Harizan had to be stretchered off during the match against New Zealand on Friday, raising concerns that he might miss the ongoing Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
Furthermore, early this morning, there were rumours that his right groin injury had worsened, potentially ruling him out of the Kuala Lumpur Junior World Cup in December.
However, smiles and relief soon spread through the camp after National Sports Institute (NSI) doctors examined him.
"Initially, our camp was concerned as he could hardly walk, and we feared his previous right groin injury had exacerbated.
"But after an evaluation by NSI doctors, they assured us that everything is fine, and he can continue playing in the SoJC.
"We will use him sparingly to avoid aggravating his injury," said team manager I. Vikneswaran.
Faris, who has 18 senior caps, scored two goals for the national junior team in the 3-2 defeat against New Zealand on Friday.
He was part of Malaysia's 2021 Junior World Cup team, which finished eighth in Bhubaneswar.
Additionally, Faris had played in the SoJC and the Hockey 5s tournament in Lausanne last year.
This year, he played a pivotal role in helping Malaysia secure the Sea Games gold medal in Phnom Penh and the fourth placing finish in the Junior Asia Cup.