W Connection defensive midfielder Clyde Leon will be under the surgeon’s knife to repair a cruciate ligament on October 25th. He suffered the injury while playing a practice game against Grenada recently.
"When it first happened, it was a bit hard," said Leon. "Things, however, are a bit better now than before."
At one stage, Leon was told that the injury may have him on the sidelines for up to six months, since it was feared that he tore the ligament; however, his last visit to the specialist confirmed that he can return to the field of play much sooner than expected after the problem is corrected through surgery.
"What the doctor saw from the MRI scan was that the cruciate ligament did not have a tear. He is going to do orthopedic surgery and is confident everything is going to be fine in four weeks time."
Due to the minor obstacle at this stage, Leon is concentrating on another career also relating to football, which is managing to keep him in high spirits.
"When I am through with my playing days, I plan to take up coaching.
"I will be with the W Connection coaching staff during their sessions, taking up notes as a means of analyzing the game.
"I am privileged to be guided by our technical director Mr. Stuart Charles-Fevrier," said the Savonetta Boys utility player.
Leon said the W Connection players and staff continue to provide words of encouragement during this tough time, hence, he feels even more pumped up to execute whatever duties are humanly possible at this stage.
"They tell me that my healing process should be a slow and steady, emphasizing that I should not rush my recovery. The guys gave me the assurance that they will stand by me 100 percent.
Leon made his senior national debut for Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year against Japan, where they lost 2-0.
Reflecting on the experience, he said it was an enjoyable one.
"It was a good experience for me with the national team for the first time, getting to be among those who played in the World Cup. Being able to have advanced facilities provided me the motivation to go out there and give it my best shot."