Chan Vathanaka tries to find a way through the Kampong Cham defence on January 22. Boeung Ket
While most people share joyful moments with family and friends on their birthday, star football forward Chan Vathanaka posted a sombre photograph of himself lying in a hospital bed. Along with the photo, he wished for bad experiences to stay in the past year and for good fortune to arrive in the new one.
The image stirred deep sympathy among fans of the Cambodian national team’s standout player. He recently suffered a severe injury for the second time – tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and damaging the meniscus. Vathanaka underwent surgery successfully on Thursday.
Accompanying the January 23 photograph was an emotional message.
“After 1 hour and 20 minutes, the surgery to repair my ACL and meniscus has been completed. Happy birthday to me today – may the bad things remain in the old year, and may success come in the new year. Thank you to everyone who has shown concern and sent me good wishes,” he wrote.
The Boeung Ket FC player sustained the injury during a January 22 away match against Kampong Cham FC at Preah Sihanouk High School field in Kampong Cham province. He was immediately substituted in the 40th minute. A scan later confirmed that Vathanaka had torn his left ACL and meniscus.
Vathanaka successfully underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left knee and a torn meniscus, but may face a long rehabilitation period. Vathanaka FB
This is the second time Vathanaka has suffered an ACL tear. In 2022, while playing for Boeung Ket against Visakha FC in the Prince Beer Pre-season Cup on January 26, he tore the ACL in his right knee.
Following surgery, he made a successful recovery and returned to the pitch on March 5, 2023, when Boeung Ket defeated Tiffy Army FC 4-3 in the Cambodian League Cup.
It took Vathanaka 1 year, 1 month and 8 days to fully recover from his right knee injury.
Boeung Ket has not disclosed how long it will take for him to come back from his latest injury.
Club doctors examined Chan Vathanaka's injury and decided to substitute him in the 40th minute. Boeung Ket
“Chan Vathanaka has successfully undergone surgery for his left knee injury and will require time for rest and recovery,” said the club, in a January 23 statement.
Despite this setback, Vathanaka remains resolute in his drive to overcome this second major challenge and return to the pitch. Everyone at Boeung Ket has wished him a speedy recovery and a swift return to once again scoring for the team.
Through the club, he shared his positive outlook.
“I regret that I have to face this situation again, but football is like this. I will strive to recover 100 per cent, so I can return to the field as soon as possible,” he said.
