Vietnam adds star midfielder to AFF Cup training squad

After head coach Park Hang-seo added Dung to the final roster list Saturday, the 28-year-old Hanoi FC player left the capital city for the southern beach town of Vung Tau near HCMC, where the national team are training.

Coach Park had called up Dung earlier this month although he was still recovering from a serious injury after a dangerous V. League tackle on March 23. At that time, Park's request was turned down by Hanoi FC since the club was worried it could affect his career in the long run.

But after surgery and therapy, Dung is reported to have fully recovered in three weeks. Therefore, his club allowed him to join the national team for the upcoming tournament.

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.

AFF Cup is set to take place Dec.5 - Jan.1 in Singapore. It was supposed to be held in 2020, but was postponed because of Covid-19. The organizers have decided to keep the name - AFF Cup 2020 - for sponsorship purposes.

Vietnam, the defending champions, are in group B with Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos.

With the latest addition, coach Park has called up 35 players to prepare for the tournament. Twenty-five players will be shortlisted after the training.