Maidstone United striker Mo Faal discusses his ACL knee injury and the road to recovery

Mo Faal is driven by the prospect of pulling on a Maidstone shirt again after coming to terms with a serious knee injury.

Striker Faal is facing months out after rupturing his ACL during the Stones’ 2-1 win over Weston-super-Mare at the start of March.

He’s hoping to undergo surgery in the next couple of weeks and then it’s all about the recovery as he targets a return towards the end of 2026.

“I’ve definitely got my head around it,” said Faal, who suffered the first major injury of his career minutes after opening the scoring.

“When it first happened, it was a bit of a shock and then when everyone else knew what it was, that was another thing to deal with.

“But I think I’m alright with it now. I’m focused on the recovery side of things.

“Hopefully I can get the surgery done as quick as possible - between now and mid-April - and I can start the comeback trail.

“Everyone keeps telling me that I’m mentally strong.

“You find it hard to believe that you are but when everyone’s commenting and saying these positive words to you and about you, it only does good to strengthen your mental state and give you that belief.

“I know it’s a long road back but it will be lovely to come back in a Maidstone shirt and make that appearance again.

“That’s what’s in my mind when I’m thinking about the injury and coming back, walking out in front of the Gallagher. Those are the things that keep me going.”

Faal rejoined Maidstone as a free agent in January following a spell in Ireland with Waterford.

The crowd favourite, who helped United reach the National League South play-off semi-finals two years ago, arrived on an 18-month deal in a move partially funded by club sponsor Paul Beckett, of Total Machining Solutions.

The goal against Weston