Vietnam veteran players called up for World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia amid injury crisis

The list of 33 Vietnamese players announced by coach Troussier on Monday afternoon included four experienced players returning after they did not get selected for the 2023 Asian Cup in January.

Aside from Nguyen Cong Phuong, who plays in Japan for Yokohama FC, striker Nguyen Tien Linh, defenders Bui Tien Dung and Nguyen Thanh Chung, who performed well in the V. League this season, have been called up. These players are no strangers to the fans as they used to be key players under the previous coach Park Hang-seo.

The presence of these veterans is expected to fill some gaps in the team, especially in the absence of many key players. Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, central defender Que Ngoc Hai, full-back Doan Van Hau and striker Pham Tuan Hai are all still recovering from injuries.

Strikers Nguyen Tien Linh (L) and Nguyen Cong Phuong (R) are the hopes for Vietnam's attacking line when number one striker Pham Tuan Hai is absent due to injury. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

Defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh, who recently had to get 24 stitches for a torn lip, and Hanoi FC midfielder Do Hung Dung have been called up as well. According to Troussier, it's uncertain if they will be fit for the away match against Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 21 but both could be ready for the home game at My Dinh Stadium five days later.

The rest of the team mainly consists of young players who have worked with Troussier since he became the head coach of Vietnam, such as defender Vo Minh Trong, midfielder Le Ngoc Bao, forwards Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Van Tung. Due to limited training time, the French coach prefers players who are already familiar with his football philosophy.

The team will gather on March 13 in Hanoi for training, before flying to Indonesia on the 19th. Troussier and his players will have two more training sessions there before facing the host.

A day after the away match, Vietnam will return home to prepare for the second leg on March 26.

Vietnam are currently second in group F with three points. The team beat Philippines 2-0 and lost 0-1 to Iraq at home in November last year. Indonesia have the same point as Philippines but are at the bottom of the group due smaller goal difference. Iraq are leading the group with six points from their victories over Vietnam and a 5-1 win against Indonesia.