SHAH ALAM: A Selangor FC official has dismissed talk of an "early retirement" for Faisal Halim following the acid attack on the winger.
The club's sports science chief Dr Hazwan Khair said while Faisal's condition was serious, claims about the severity of his injuries on social media have been exaggerated.
"I would say Faisal's condition is not as (severe) as claimed on social media.
"Though serious, we are optimistic about his recovery process. It is not like a total loss of function and such."
On Sunday, Faisal, a national team player, was attacked by two men on a motorcycle outside a shopping mall in Kota Damansara.
He suffered severe burns to his face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands, after his assailants splashed acid on him.
This sparked speculation that the 26-year-old's career could be over.
"Currently, we don't foresee that (early retirement)," Dr Hazwan told the New Straits Times.
"It's premature to discuss retirement when our focus is on his recovery."
Faisal, who has undergone three surgeries since the incident, is expected to remain in intensive care for up to 10 days.
Earlier today, it was reported that Faisal is able to walk and is keen on going home after his treatment is complete.
Federal police are probing the attack on Faisal and have to date arrested two people, including one suspect who has seven criminal records.
The cops are also two separate attacks on two other national footballers, Akhyar Rashid and Safiq Rahim.
Last week, Akhyar was assaulted and robbed by two men in Terengganu, while Safiq's car was vandalised by two men in Johor on Tuesday.
