Tze Yong faces lengthy layoff due to suspected ACL injury
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong could be facing a lengthy layoff after suffering a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his right knee at the Malaysia Masters.
The 25-year-old, who only returned to competition last month after two back surgeries kept him out for nearly 14 months, picked up the injury during his first-round match against Hong Kong's world No. 22 Angus Ng.
It is another devastating blow in the national shuttler's injury-hit career.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen declined to confirm the extent of the injury but acknowledged that assessments were ongoing.
"I can't comment on the player's injury. We are gathering information and will share updates on his progress soon," said Jonassen.
While it remains unclear whether Tze Yong has suffered a partial or full ACL tear, what is certain is that he will miss next week's Indonesia Open (June 3-8).
Should surgery be required, Tze Yong could be out for up to a year — the typical recovery time for elite athletes undergoing ACL operations.
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