In the recent match between Hai Phong and Hanoi FC (Round 18, LPBank V-League 2024/25), goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu was notably absent from the squad. According to club sources, he suffered food poisoning and a calf muscle injury, with doctors monitoring his condition. He is expected to miss 2 to 3 rounds, possibly more.

Earlier, Dinh Trieu had sustained an internal injury and relapsed with a back problem, nearly forcing coach Kim Sang Sik to send him home during the FIFA Days training camp in March.

If his condition doesn’t improve, Dinh Trieu may be sidelined for the vital fixture against Malaysia in June.

Following Vietnam’s triumph at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, the squad has been plagued by injuries. Striker Nguyen Xuan Son and defender Ho Tan Tai are both sidelined for around eight months. More recently, Kim Sang Sik has received troubling updates about other players.

Most notably, midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan was seen on crutches watching Thanh Hoa’s away match against Hanoi FC on April 6. The 1994-born player suffered a fractured fibula during training and will be out for the rest of the season.

Ngoc Tan is expected to need at least two months before he can resume training, which means he is almost certain to miss Vietnam’s national team training camp in June. His absence will be a significant loss in the must-win match against Malaysia at Bukit Jalil.

Earlier, striker Bui Vi Hao was ruled out after tearing a ligament in his ankle, injuring his fibula, and damaging his ankle joint - requiring surgery. He will miss the next national team camp and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers, and will have to race against time to return before the 33rd SEA Games later this year.

Another national team member, To Van Vu (Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC), also suffered a serious injury with a torn ACL and has undergone surgery, facing a lengthy recovery.

In addition to these long-term injuries, Dinh Bac is sidelined for 6–8 weeks with a broken toe, center-back Pham Ly Duc is nursing a knee injury and training separately, and Doan Van Hau’s return date remains uncertain.

With the V-League entering its most intense phase - both in the title race and relegation battle - Coach Kim Sang Sik must now anxiously monitor the health of his squad as the decisive match against Malaysia looms.

Dai Nam