Quak's injury only a strain

Quak's injury only a strain

He spent Tuesday night fretting, even shedding tears, over the prospect of missing out on a final shot at SEA Games glory.

But Gabriel Quak's despair turned to relief on Wednesday, after a scan showed that the right hamstring injury he picked up in a 1-1 friendly draw with Hougang United earlier that evening is not as serious as first feared.

A strain will keep the Singapore Under-23 winger out for two weeks but he is expected to recover in time to help in their hunt for gold in Myanmar next month.

"If things go well, he should be joining us at the SEA Games," team physiotherapist Nurhafizah Abu Sujad told The Straits Times.

She added that the LionsXII man is likely to undergo platelet-rich plasma treatment in a bid to accelerate the healing process.

Quak will nevertheless miss the team's final warm-up matches - against the Cambodia U-23 B team tomorrow, their starters on Sunday and a yet-unnamed side on Dec 1.

But the possibility of returning in time for the Young Lions' campaign opener against Laos on Dec8 came as a relief to the 22-year-old - particularly since he will be overage by the time of the next Games in 2015.

"It's pretty pleasing," he said of the diagnosis. "The very thought of missing the tournament brought tears to my eyes.

"This will be my last Games and I've been looking forward to it since the start of the year. Fact is, I want to be on that plane to Myanmar and I believe I can contribute to the team."

News of his likely availability was welcomed by national U-23 coach Aide Iskandar, whose side have been set a target of reaching the final in Naypyidaw.

While the former Lions captain is expected to place his faith in Faris Ramli and Nazrul Ahmad Nazari on the wings to start their matches, Quak has proven his worth as an impact substitute.

His last four international outings have reaped two goals - both after coming off the bench.

"We have to monitor his progress carefully," Aide said of the winger's road to recovery.

"But of course I hope he can make it for the SEA Games. Every time he plays, he brings quality."

fabiusc@sph.com.sg


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