Palander expects full recovery after surgery

The operation on Kalle Palander's right shinbone on Monday was a success. In this interview the Finn talks about his injury, the operation and when and how he is planning his comeback.

THE OPERATION on Kalle Palander's right shinbone on Monday was a success. In this interview, the Finn talks about his injury, the operation and when and how he is planning his comeback. — Fischer Ski News

Kalle, how was the operation on Monday? Everything OK?
The operation went well. They put a 10 centimetre long, 2.5 centimetre wide and 4.5 millimetre thick titanium plate with four screws in my leg, so now it should be strong enough. Everything is fine.

How are the steps for rehabilitation now?
Rehabilitation is still a little bit open. I'm in Helsinki at the moment but I might go to Terme Selce in Croatia for therapy.

When will you be able to start skiing again?
It looks as though I'll be able to start skiing again at the beginning of April. So that's pretty good. That will then give me plenty of time to get back in business!

What exactly was your injury? When did it happen? Where did you get it?
It was my right shinbone. It's called a stress fracture. I got it after my ACL operation two years ago. At that time I had an operation on my left knee. When I started training then I was working all the time a little bit more with my right leg, so little by little it became more painful. In the end just before the Kitzbühel World Cup in 2008 I hooked a gate in training and twisted my leg pretty badly. Doctors believe that it became even worse in that accident.

The problems with this injury grew in recent weeks — did you have any major problems while skiing or at the races?
I didn't feel any pain during the races. The problem was that I couldn't train anymore at the end.

How difficult was the decision to have the operation now? You were in good shape and you had very good chances of winning the giant slalom World Cup.
One of my most difficult decisions. I wanted to fight for the giant slalom World Cup but then in the end the risk was just too big. The problem was that the fracture was already so severe that my shinbone could have broken completely which would have meant a major operation and at least one year to get back. All in all, the risk was simply too big.

Will you watch the last races on TV?
Sure, I really hope that our Fischer guys will be strong! They have best skis at the moment, especially in slalom, so good luck guys! And in giant slalom I believe that Manfred Mölgg can win the overall giant slalom title.

What are your goals for next season?
Victories, many victories! Victory in the giant slalom World Cup and top three in the slalom. A medal at the World Championships in Val d'Isère also sounds good!