Chieffy hurt, out of Azkals training camp

MANILA, Philippines - Azkals co-captain Chieffy Caligdong’s participation in the team’s training camp in the Middle East and possibly the AFC Challenge Cup is hanging in the air after sustaining a left knee injury last Saturday.

“MRI test confirmed a partial tear,” Azkals team manager Dan Palami told The STAR yesterday.

Caligdong was carted off the pitch just before halftime of Phl Airforce Phoenix’s match against Phl Army in the United Football League, limping and wincing after getting a strong challenge from the Armymen.

Palami said they would have to check further with team physician Dr. Randy Molo as to how long the wily winger would need to recuperate and whether he has to go under the knife.

“We’re not sure yet whether the injury is something he only sustained against Army or if it’s an old injury (that was aggravated). It didn’t swell afterwards so there’s a possibility that it might be an old injury that’s been shown by the MRI,” Palami said.

This endangers Caligdong’s trip to Dubai and Doha with the Azkals, who are set to hold camp from Feb. 7-17 in preparation for their campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup in March. Already, the Azkals are without skipper and defender Aly Borromeo, who’s out until April due to ACL, while their Europe-based pros are still uncertain due to club commitments.

 “If he (Caligdong) has to rest, we’ll have to do that. Or maybe there might be special rehab, exercises that he can do (to recover). We’ll do everything to help him get back in shape,” said Palami.

As this developed, the Philippine Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has slapped an indefinite suspension on Fil-British Matthew Hartmann for “abandoning” the Under-23 Azkals during their stint in the last 26th Southeast Asian Games.

“With this suspension, he becomes ineligible to join any national football team and he’s barred from suiting up for any football club or organization,” said PFF president Nonong Araneta of the Azkals Under-23 SEAG team co-skipper, who’s also effectively prohibited from playing for Loyola Meralco Sparks in the UFL. 

Araneta said the Fil-British midfielder was given 10 days to appeal the PFF’s decision.