Another key defender to miss Saudi Arabia clash

In a training session Wednesday, Dung left the field early due to an injury. The doctor said his muscle was torn and he won't be able to play the Saudi Arabia game on Sept. 2 as well as Australia five days later.

This is a huge disadvantage for Vietnam, because Dung has been the backbone of the defensive line since 2019.

Before Dung, important defenders like Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Thanh Chung were also injured and will miss the game. Midfielder Nguyen Minh Vuong faced the same problem last week.

Vietnam still have Tran Dinh Trong as a replacement for Dung, but he had just returned from injury Wednesday so it's hard to guarantee great form.

The national team has been in Hanoi for training since Aug. 5 with 31 players. Along with four injuries, coach Park will cross two more names from the list to bring 25 players to Saudi Arabia.

The team is set to fly to Saudi Arabia on Aug. 28, after a friendly game with the U22 team.