Star midfielder returns to national team training after shinbone fracture

Dung is finally back with the national team. During the past eight months, he underwent surgery and a period of recovery after breaking his leg in a V. League game on March 23. After his club Hanoi FC confirmed him fully fit, national head coach Park Hang-seo immediately called Dung for AFF Cup preparations.

The midfielder completed the session effortlessly. Recently, he has hit the gym daily to enhance his stamina.

Before injury, Dung was one of the most important players in the national team, playing a big part in Vietnam’s AFF Cup 2018 title and SEA Games 30 gold medal win in 2019.

Last week, key players Nguyen Cong Phuong (pictured) and Nguyen Hoang Duc had to train with the doctor due to muscle fatigue. But the two had quickly recovered and completed the session as normal.

Coach Park supervised the session closely.

At present, the team includes five keepers: Nguyen Tan Truong, Tran Nguyen Manh, Nguyen Van Hoang, Pham Van Cuong and Quan Van Chuan. Park will choose four players for the official squad list.

The players tried new warm-up excercises, which created a comfortable mood before entering the main session.

With the addition of Dung, the team now has 35 players. Park will exclude five and bring 30 to Singapore for AFF Cup after the training period.

AFF Cup will take place from Dec. 5 to Jan. 1. Vietnam are in group B with Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia.