It's not very serious

TREATMENT: Chong Wei suffered minor ligament tear and will be treated with stem cells

Lee Chong Wei looks on prior to his MRI scan at the Kuala Lumpur Sports Medical Centre yesterday. Bernama pic

LEE Chong Wei's second scan yesterday revealed that the World No 1 suffered "only a minor ligament tear" in his right ankle but the player would need between four and six weeks to recover.

It means that Chong Wei will probably not be at his best to fight for a medal in London as he will only have about two weeks to prepare for the Games. According to National Sports Institute chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz, the shuttler will have only about two weeks to work on his game and fitness ahead of the Olympics.

Chong Wei had a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan at the Kuala Lumpur Sports Medical Centre (KLSMC) yesterday where a medical team, led by Dr Ramlan and top orthopaedic surgeon Dr Nicholas Geary, confirmed that his injury was not as serious as first thought.

"KLSMC specialist Dr Saw Khay Yong, together with NSI, will work hand-in-hand to get Chong Wei back on his feet as soon as possible. Chong Wei will definitely play at the London Olympics," said Dr Ramlan at KLSMC in Damansara yesterday.

"But Chong Wei does not have much time as the event is just 64 days away. He needs treatment, which will take about two to three weeks and then rehabilitation, which does not include preparation time.
"He will be at the Olympics but we cannot guarantee him playing top level badminton. It is entirely up to him."

On the method of treatment, Dr Ramlan said he will be treated with stem cells.
"He will be injected with stem cells three times, once every five days to repair the damaged ligament. It is a proven way but we fear his body may not agree to this treatment," he said.

Dr Ramlan said Chong Wei must put on protective gear on his ankle once he starts playing again.
"Those with ankle problems tend to suffer from 'proprioception', a condition where a shuttler will find it difficult to control his jumping and landing movements," Dr Ramlan added.


Read more: It's not very serious - Badminton - New Straits Times