Key defenders injured after Australia clash

According to doctors, Chung suffered a 12-cm tear to his thigh muscle and will need from three to five weeks to recover.

The center-back experienced muscle tension after playing Saudi Arabia on Sept. 2, but five days later, he appeared against Australia in Hanoi. The 24-year-old played 76 minutes until injured.

Before the Saudi Arabia clash, Chung was still recovering from a minor muscle injury, but since the team was facing a crisis in defense, coach Park Hang-seo had to include him in the lineup.

Another defender, Bui Tien Dung was also injured after the match, but he’s recovering fast, according to doctors. He played 81 minutes before being subbed.

Vietnam will have one month for training and let the injured players recover before playing the next two games of World Cup qualifiers against China on Oct. 7 and Oman on the 12th.