ALLEIN Maliksi is set for a Meralco return after a three-week absence due to a nasal fracture.
Maliksi began practicing with the Bolts after getting the clearance from doctors. He said the target date for a comeback is Sunday's game against Northport.
"And then Macau sa EASL,' added Maliksi, pointing to Meralco's Dec. 13 outing against the Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Studio City Event inside the Studio City Integrated Resort.
"One week na akong nag-eensayo. Ang tagal ko rin kasing natigil sa practice," said the veteran gunner. "So kailangan makabalik muna ako sa kundisyon."
The 38-year-old wingman suffered the injury when big man Troy Rosario accidentally hit him in the nose in a 91-84 win over Blackwater.
He later underwent a close reduction nasal surgery.
"Ano lang naman, binalik yung buto. Hindi naman siya open surgery," said Maliksi.
But he will have to wear a protective mask once he begins playing, making him the second Meralco player to do so after Bong Quinto, who is also recovering from a nose injury.
Asked if he didn't plan to have a total noselift, Maliksi let out a hearty laugh.
"Sabi ko nga pataasin nila e. Kaso mas matagal daw yun," he said.
Meralco currently carries a 4-1 record in a tie with reigning champion Barangay Ginebra for third to fourth places.
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