VietNamNet Bridge – Coach Nguyen Huu Thang has called 23 players to be part of his U22 team training camp for a friendly against Argentina on May 14 at the My Dinh National Stadium in Ha Noi.

Viet Nam U22 team seen in a training session.

Among them, Thang selected 11 players of V.League 1 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), including strikers Nguyen Cong Phuong and Nguyen Van Toan, midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh, defenders Vu Van Thanh and Le Van Son.

He said HAGL have many U22 players compared with other clubs, and so he had selected them.

“The U22 team convened this time will be prepared for both upcoming friendly matches and the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Malaysia; so selecting HAGL players is normal. They are below 22 years of age and acquired training from a good football institute,” said Thang.

Tuan Anh’s summon this time has raised eyebrows among fans and media alike. Is he fit to play?

Tuan Anh sustained a knee injury when he played for Yokohama club of Japan last year, because of which he couldn’t compete with the Viet Nam senior football team in the AFF Cup last year. Before being called to the U22 team, he had to take rest during the first leg of the ongoing national premier league. However, coach Thang confirmed that Tuan Anh has recovered from his injury and can compete in the upcoming match.

“Tuan Anh has trained well and is showing no signs of injury,” said Thang.

“I have totally recovered from my injury. I am very glad, as I will get to play with my teammates after a long time,” said Tuan Anh.

Thang said the friendly match with Argentina would be a good chance for the Viet Nam team to hone its skills and gain experience for the gold medal hunt in Malaysia SEA Games. 

VNS