Vietnam suffered another loss in the last-round Group D match of the Asian U23 Football Championship on January 21 in Doha, Qatar.

Nguyen Cong Phuong was hospitalised for a collar-bone injury after the match (Photo: Screenshot).

Meanwhile, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong was hospitalised for a collar-bone injury after the match. He was immediately sent to hospital for surgery on his 21th birthday.

While the whole team returned home, Phuong will stay in Doha for more intensive care.

Dr Nguyen Trong Hien said Phuong's injury was serious and could take up to three months to heal. After that, he can do only light exercises.

The injury definitely affects his Japan plan, as he is scheduled to join J.League 2 Mito Hollyhock FC for the new season that will begin next month.

Vietnam's 2-3 defeat in the match with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was their third loss in the tournament, which saw the latter jump to the top position in the group with seven points.

Vietnam, who were previously eliminated, ended at the bottom with zero points.

The United Arab Emirates and Jordan, who are in second place and shared a goalless draw with Australia in another match, have entered the quarter-final round.

The United Arab Emirates will meet defending champions Iraq, while the Jordan will play the Republic of Korea on January 23.

VNA