Shahfiq out for 6 months with knee injury

SINGAPORE — Geylang International forward Shahfiq Ghani has suffered a big injury blow ahead of the new S.League season that kicks off on Feb 13. The 23-year-old, who joined the Eagles from the Young Lions last month, is set to be out for a minimum of six months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during pre-season training.

“Shahfiq tore his ligament during our pre-season preparations. He had an operation recently and has been discharged,” Geylang’s team manager, Aizat Ramli, told TODAY. “He is able to walk properly but rehabilitation will take around six months.

“Shahfiq is feeling really down about his injury because he was looking forward to bounce back after a tough time last season. He is distraught that this has happened but is eager to come back soon.”

Shahfiq, who also played for the LionsXII in the Malaysia Super League in 2013 and 2014, posted a photo of himself on his hospital bed with the caption “Road to recovery starts now!” on his Instagram page yesterday.

Unfortunately for Shahfiq, this is not the first time he has had to deal with injury woes. He missed last year’s SEA Games after suffering a medial collateral injury against Timor Leste in the final friendly match before the tournament. He also suffered metatarsal and spine injuries that kept him out for a lengthy period of time while playing for the LionsXII.

His injury comes as a blow to the Eagles’ preparations for the new season, as they have recruited astutely to form a new-look side. They snapped up four players — Sahil Suhaimi, Gabriel Quak, Faritz Hameed and Al-Qaasimy Rahman — from the disbanded LionsXII side last month.

The Eagles, who kick off their S.League campaign against favourites Tampines Rovers on Feb 15, also secured the services of Singapore international Isa Halim, veteran Indra Sahdan and Argentinian Carlos Delgado from Hougang United.

The attacking partnership of Shahfiq with his former LionsXII teammate Sahil was touted to be one to look out for, with the duo having combined for an astonishing 82 goals while playing together for the National Football Academy (NFA) U-17 and U-18 teams. “Everyone at the club will be fully supporting Shahfiq throughout his recovery process and he is an essential part of the team. We are looking forward to his return,” said Aizat.