"Do Hoang Hen is expected to need around three months of treatment and recovery. His condition will continue to be monitored and assessed to determine an appropriate treatment plan," Hanoi FC announced.

The midfielder's recovery is therefore expected to take longer than initially anticipated. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had previously said Hoang Hen suffered a tear in his left calf muscle and would need at least a month to return.

However, a pre-existing knee injury has complicated his recovery, extending the expected treatment period.

Speaking about the setback, Hoang Hen shared his disappointment.

"Sometimes we make plans, set expectations and hold on to hope, but things do not always turn out the way we imagined. Unfortunately, I will have to step away from the sport I love and spend some time away from the pitch. Those who know me understand just how difficult this is for me."

With his recovery now expected to take three months, Hoang Hen is unlikely to regain full fitness in time for the Asian Cup, which begins in early January 2027.

His absence would be a major blow to Vietnam, given the important role the Hanoi FC midfielder plays in the national team.

The outlook is also uncertain for striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who needs eight weeks before he can resume training.

Even if his rehabilitation progresses as planned, the 29-year-old Thep Xanh Nam Dinh forward may not return to competitive action until around the time Vietnam depart for the Asian Cup.

And even if head coach Kim Sang Sik includes him in the tournament squad, Xuan Son is unlikely to be in peak condition.

Nguyen Tai Loc's injury is less serious than those of his two international teammates.

Medical examinations revealed inflammation at the attachment of the anterior talofibular ligament in his ankle, with an estimated recovery period of around three weeks.

However, a congested domestic football schedule in the coming weeks means there is no guarantee he will regain his best physical condition before the Asian Cup.

Tai Loc could even find himself outside Kim Sang Sik's plans if he fails to improve on his underwhelming performances at the recent FIFA ASEAN Cup.

In the worst-case scenario, with all three naturalized players unavailable, Kim Sang Sik would have to identify suitable replacements well before the tournament.

That would be a particularly difficult challenge given the limited pool of standout players currently available to Vietnamese football.

Vietnam coach Kim Sang Sik parts ways with South Korean assistant

South Korean assistant coach Kim Do Heon has ended his spell with Vietnam's national team following the expiry of his contract with the VFF in early October 2026.

He joined the national team's coaching staff in June 2026.

A former South Korean international who played in the English Premier League for West Bromwich Albion, Kim Do Heon was brought in to assist head coach Kim Sang Sik during two major campaigns: the 2026 ASEAN Cup and the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Dai Nam