Junaid knee injury worse than anticipated

The injury to Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan’s knee is more serious than first thought, with scans showing a fracture under his knee cap, and he will be out of action for longer than anticipated.

He was ruled out of the current series against Australia with the injury, but further scans show he might require more aggressive treatment overseas.

Meanwhile, fellow paceman Wahab Riaz’s knee injury is faring slightly better, and he could be back for the series against New Zealand in November. He picked up his injury in the ODI series against the Aussies.

Dr Sohail Saleem, PCB general manager, sports medicine, said of Junaid: “A recently-performed MRI in a local hospital in Lahore revealed a Grade-3 osteochondral fracture along the anterior surface of the medial femoral condyle with underlying bone edema.

“Junaid Khan is undergoing a conservative management plan for his injury. Apart from consultation with a local orthopedic surgeon in Pakistan, Junaid’s reports are also being seen by orthopedic surgeons abroad.

“His final course of action will be decided in couple of days.”

He then added of Wahab, “After examination and investigation that lasted four days from October 15 to 19, with the decision in favour of conservative management, Wahab’s rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy commenced on October 20.

“His daily routine consists of knee-specific exercises, generalised fitness training, pool work-outs, physiotherapy sessions, bowling and batting sessions.

“He did start batting last week on Friday and by the end of Monday’s proceedings, he must have completed three batting sessions under supervision of Mohtashim Rasheed.

“On Monday, he did his first shadow-bowling session with Mohammad Akram and bowled 24 pain-free balls. His work on the physio’s table consists of manual therapy techniques to achieve the desired fitness results before the beginning of the New Zealand series.

“I am pretty much satisfied with the progress he is making.”

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