Three key players to miss AFF Cup over injuries

By Hoang Nguyen September 25, 2021 | 10:30 pm PT

Dang Van Lam (L) pays a visit to Do Hung Dung after his surgery in March 2021. Photo by Dang Van Lam

Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, midfielder Do Hung Dung and defender Doan Van Hau will be absent in the upcoming AFF Cup due to prolonged injuries.

Back in March, Dung suffered a severe injury during a V. League game. The 28-year-old has gone through surgery and is slowly recovering. The talented midfielder can only return in the 2022 season and if his recovery goes well, could still play World Cup qualifiers next year.

Hau has been struggling with different injuries this year. He returned to play too early, which made his injuries worse. Hau is set to undergo a second surgery in South Korea and would only return when fully recovered.

Recently, keeper Lam also got his shoulder injured during training with his Japanese club Cerezo Osaka. He will take at least four months to recover, meaning he will miss AFF Cup.

The three were key in Vietnam’s win at AFF Cup in 2018. Coach Park Hang-seo will have to find worthy replacements for them in order to defend the title.

In AFF Cup 2021, Vietnam are placed in group B with Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. The tournament is set to take place from Dec. 5, 2021 to Jan. 1, 2022.