It took six hours of flight and two hours of Covid-19 testing for the team to finally arrive at the hotel. In the evening, the players started training.
In this training session, the players only had to do light work and basic exercises after travelling a long way. Vietnam played three games of the second round of World Cup qualifiers here back in June so they are familiar with the weather.
Keeper Bui Tan Truong will most likely start in the China clash, as main keeper Dang Van Lam had a shoulder injury and will have to sit out for four months.
Keeper Tran Nguyen Manh was also called up because of Lam’s injury. Manh was in excellent form last season, helping Viettel FC to win the V. League title.
The team also welcomed back forward Nguyen Cong Phuong, one of its key players. Phuong was absent in September when Vietnam lost 1-3 to Saudi Arabia and 0-1 to Australia, as his wife gave birth to their first child.
Two key full-backs Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Trong Hoang are absent due to injuries, with Ho Tan Tai considered a replacement.
After receiving a red card in the Saudi Arabia game, center-back Do Duy Manh was suspended in the clash with Australia. He has since returned and is ready to face China.
Another defender, Nguyen Thanh Chung, has also recovered after suffering a 12-centimeter muscle tear in the game with Australia.
One of the most important players on the team, Nguyen Quang Hai, is fully fit. He managed to score a beauty in the Saudi Arabia clash.
