Key Vietnam players to miss upcoming World Cup qualifier games

By Hoang Nguyen September 27, 2021 | 09:00 pm PT

Tran Minh Vuong (front) scores in Vietnam's 2-3 loss to the UAE in a World Cup qualification game on June 15, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

Vietnam's World Cup qualifier campaign has been hit by injuries to midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang and rightback Tran Minh Vuong who will miss matches in October.

Vuong suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in early September and has already missed two World Cup qualifiers game in September against Saudi Arabia and Australia. However, he still stayed with the team. With his condition not allowing him to play upcoming matches, Vuong will return to his club Hoang Anh Gia Lai on October 1.

The national team will fly to the UAE on September 30 to prepare for the next game against China.

Nguyen Trong Hoang (L) is set to miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers game due to herniated disc. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Hoang will have to get an herniated disc treated. Although it’s not a severe injury, the key rightback won’t be able to train nor play at this time.

Other injured players are recovering quickly. Center-backs Nguyen Thanh Chung and Bui Tien Dung will be ready in time for the October games, officials have said.

Vietnam will play their next World Cup qualifiers game against China on October 7 and against Oman five days later. They lost their previous two matches 1-3 to Saudi Arabia and 0-1 to Australia in September.