Surgery for HJK duo
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
Article summary
HJK Helsinki's Jari Ilola and Toni Kallio will have operations after helping HJK Helsinki win the Finnish title.
Article body
Playing through pain
The HJK midfield duo played through the pain barrier during the title run-in and now face operations on their respective injuries. Ilola has an ankle ligament problem while Kallio needs groin surgery.
Best preparation
"We agreed with the boys that the operations would happen immediately after the championship had been won," said coach Keith Armstrong. "This way we guarantee the players the best possible preparation for next season."
Bright future ahead
Ilola missed the first month of the campaign after another ankle operation but still made 16 appearances, scoring three goals. The 23-year-old international has struggled with injuries in recent years, hindering his hopes of a move abroad. Kallio, meanwhile, played 26 times, scoring seven goals. Both are expected to return to training ahead of the 2003 season.
