Key midfielder called up for AFF campaign despite injury

Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) requested Hanoi FC to let Dung join the national team, though he would surely sit out the next two World Cup qualifiers with Japan and Saudi Arabia in November.

In fact, Park plans to use Dung for the AFF Cup in December and called the 28-year-old up to support his recovery and fitness.

Dung is a key player of the national team, having played all games in Vietnam’s AFF Cup title-winning journey in 2018 and helping the U22 team win SEA Games 30 a year later.

However, his leg was broken after a dangerous V. League tackle on March 23.

After surgery and therapy, Dung was 80 percent recovered and has returned to basic training for the last two weeks. According to doctors, his current physique and stamina remain weak.

Hanoi FC hopes the national team would only deploy Dung when he's fully recovered to prevent further injury, which could affect his career in the long run.