Malaysia men's doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is hoping to get Man Wei Chong back to full fitness in time for next week's Japan Open as the shuttler prepares to return from a two-month injury lay-off.
Wei Chong, who has been sidelined since the Thomas Cup Finals in May with a right knee injury, is set to make his competitive comeback in Tokyo. The tournament will also mark his first outing alongside new partner Soh Wooi Yik following Malaysia's recent doubles reshuffle.
The pair will begin their campaign against Taiwan's Lee Fang-jen and Lee Fang-chih in the opening round.
Herry said Wei Chong has only recently resumed training and is still working his way back to full match fitness.
The Indonesian coach estimated the 26-year-old is currently operating at around 70 to 75 per cent, with reaction speed remaining one of the main areas requiring improvement after his lengthy absence.
Wei Chong has been following a tailored training programme designed to rebuild his sharpness, particularly in responding to fast and unpredictable rallies.
Despite the fitness concerns, Herry believes there is still enough time to help the player improve before the Super 750 tournament begins on Tuesday.
Malaysia will also have several other men's doubles pairs in action at the Japan Open.
Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing face a difficult opening match against China's seventh seeds Chen Boyang and Liu Yi, while Yap Roy King and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi will take on Americans Chen Zhi Yi and Presley Smith.
Independent pair Nur Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong have been drawn against former world champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi of Japan.
Meanwhile, world champions Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will begin against China's Hu Keyuan and Lin Xiangyi, while Goh V Shem and South Korea's Choi Sol-gyu face fourth seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.
Herry also welcomed this week's joint training sessions with Singapore's men's doubles squad, saying the additional sparring has provided valuable preparation ahead of the tournament.
