Injuries continue to hound the Meralco Bolts as veteran guard Allein Maliksi is out of the team's title defense in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Meralco stalwart Allein Maliksi is out for the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup due to sciatica.
This is a pain caused by an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet, according to the National Health Service website.
Maliksi did not see action in the Bolts' first two matches against Converge and Terrafirma, which they both won.
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“Sumakit 'yong likod ko tapos nagkaroon ng nerve impingement. Tapos nagka-sciatica. It will take time to heal para mawala 'yong pain at saka 'yong numbness,” said Maliksi, after his teammates secured a 118-80 rout of Terrafirma for their second consecutive victory Sunday, April 6.
Maliksi said he has to undergo an intensive rehab before he can return to the court.
“Oo, [matagal ang recovery]. Medyo kailangan talagang intensive na rehab para maka-recover. Aantayin lang talagang mawala ang sciatica,” Maliksi said.
Asked how long it would take for him to be treated, the former University of Santo Tomas gunner could not give a specific timeline as he was told not to rush his recovery.
“Hindi ko masabi. Ayoko rin munang magbigay ng timeline. Basta ang sabi lang naman is 'Take your time, huwag madaliin,'” he said.
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The good news is he is now allowed to do some exercises.
“Ako naman, tini-take ko lang day by day. Eventually 'pag medyo OK na, ready na ako,” Maliksi said.
“Sa ngayon kasi nakakapag-jogging na ako, nakakapag-strength workout. So unti-unti lang 'yong pagbalik.”