PETALING JAYA: It took 10 months for Syukri Baharun (pic) to make a return from an injury but his comeback ended in misery after just two minutes due to a bad tackle.
On Sunday, the midfielder made his debut with Perak after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury but no thanks to a rash challenge by Kuching City defender Zahrul Nizwan Zulkeflee, he was stretched out of the field yet again.
Perak eventually won the Super League game 2-1 at the City Stadium in Kuching.
The 24-year-old Syukri came on as a substitute in the 88th minute but in less than two minutes, he was on the receiving end of a nasty tackle from Zharul and was sent straight to the hospital.
His last match was with Melaka last October and he only joined Perak in January this year.
Perak coach Yusri Che Lah was seen questioning the fourth official as the match referee Faisal Ridzuan didn’t book Zahrul.
Yusri was concerned over Syukri’s heavily bandaged right knee.
“Allah’s plan is better than our plan. Sometimes God prevents our plans to test our patience and God will give us better than what we expect. Patience is a virtue,” he said.
“I appreciate Syukri’s contribution in helping the team. I want him to come back stronger.”
Perak’s goals were scored by team captain Luciano Guaycochea of Argentina (13th minute) and South Korean striker Seo Seu-nung (80th).
Kuching City’s solitary goal came via Abu Kamara in the 33rd minute.
Syukri was not the only casualty as key defender Jesper Nyholm of the Philippines also had to be taken off in the 33rd minute due to an injury.
“It’s my first win with Perak as a coach but to lose Jesper and Syukri is a blow. Losing players to injuries is disappointing,” said Yusri.
“But the long journey away from home was worth it. The boys showed character and determination until the end to keep the home side at bay.”
Perak are 11th in the league with 13 points, six points behind 10th-placed Penang while Kuching City remained 13th with six points.
