Lam, who plays for Hai Phong FC, suffered a lower back injury during the Asian Cup qualifier against Jordan in Amman City on Tuesday.

The pain forced him to leave the match just some 40 minutes from the first whistle.

The doctor, however, said his injury was not serious.

Lam has said he is fine and just needs a few days of rest.

On Sunday, Hai Phong will play against Can Tho at the Lach Tray Stadium.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh has also been ruled out of Sunday’s match.

The 22-year-old is in South Korea undergoing treatment for a ligament injury, which relapsed last week.

Anh’s doctor Choi Joo Yong said the player, who also had problems with his muscles and cartilage, should undergo a surgery that will require at least six months to recover.

This is the third major tournament that will be missed by Anh, who is currently considered one of the most talented midfielders of Viet Nam, due to injury.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai will face newly promoted Nam Dinh in Pleiku City on April 1. — VNS