Photo Leena Koivisto

Kalle Palander, who injured himself in the Season Opening in Sölden last October and sustained a knee injury, is working on another comeback. After a long time for reflection, he decided to give the return to the top of ski racing another go. During the past several months, Palander has been through rehab and progressively more intensive training.

"Time is starting to be tight. I cannot afford to have another setback," said Palander to Finnish MTV 3 on Friday. "I am supposed to be back on snow in early May and train normally; we will know more after that," said Palander who will turn 35 on 2nd May.

Palander initially thought to be able to be back to proper on-snow training in Lapland already in April. But problems with his leg's recovery from the latest ACL/meniscus operation in late fall delayed the plan by a few weeks or a month. Palander continues to have pain and is behind plan for rehab and physical training.

"The leg does not extend and bend quite as well as needed so some more rehab is required," commented Pasi Laitakari, coach with the Finnish men's team, to Iltalehti a week ago.

Palander remains highly motivated and eager to return back to the slopes as soon as possible, and targets to be back by the season opening 2012/13 in Sölden.

For FISAlpine.com story from 27th October 2011, "Kalle Palander to undergo ACL surgery after suffering an ugly crash in Soelden," click here.

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