The extent of the double blow involving Taha Ali and Jiri Pavlenka is beginning to become clear at PAOK, one day after the news that the two players will need to undergo surgery. The two stars of the “Double-Headed Eagle of the North” sustained shoulder injuries during the match against Panetolikos in Agrinio, and the tests they underwent showed that surgery is unavoidable.
Now that the decision to proceed with surgery has been made, their minimum recovery time is estimated at about three months and could even reach four, depending on how their rehabilitation progresses. Details regarding when and where the surgeries will take place are expected to be finalized, and after the surgeries, there will be a clearer picture of their return timeline.
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There is particular concern regarding Taha Ali, as the Swedish winger had previously experienced a problem with the same shoulder earlier in the season. He had returned to action and was starting to find his rhythm, but he was injured again in Agrinio, in a game in which he had actually scored. Another significant blow is the loss of Pavlenka, who had been a consistent presence in goal and will now leave Antonis Tsiftsis to shoulder increased responsibilities in the coming period.
Amid these difficult circumstances, however, there is some positive news on the injury front for PAOK. Kiril Despodov is now in the final stage of his recovery, and his return is imminent. The Bulgarian winger underwent surgery on May 4 for a chronic problem affecting the big toe of his left foot, causing him to miss the end of last season and the entire summer training camp.
The 29-year-old is gradually stepping up his training through a specialized program, and PAOK expects that by early October he will be able to take the next step and move closer to a full return to team training. Provided his recovery continues without any new setbacks, Alessio Lisi will once again be a key option on the wings, at a time when a string of injuries is significantly limiting the team’s available options.
*photo source: AP
