Midfielder Nguyen Van Truong, a key player for U22 Vietnam and Hanoi FC, has been diagnosed with a serious knee injury and will need surgery - ruling him out for almost a year.

The injury occurred during the Panda Cup 2025 in China, where Van Truong suffered a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. While initial assessments suggested only physical therapy was needed, follow-up examinations upon his return to Vietnam revealed the damage was more severe than expected, requiring immediate surgery.

This comes as a major blow to U22 Vietnam, Hanoi FC, and the player himself. Van Truong had been considered an indispensable part of the national team’s midfield and leadership core.

He sustained the injury in the 77th minute of the match against South Korea U22 during the tournament. According to head coach Dinh Hong Vinh, the midfielder landed awkwardly after colliding with an opponent.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Van Truong will not only miss the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 33) in Thailand but is also expected to be out for the AFC U23 Asian Cup in 2026. His absence leaves a significant void in both technical ability and team morale.

U22 Vietnam is set to reconvene on November 23 in Vung Tau. Head coach Kim Sang Sik, following his duties with the national team in their match against Laos, will focus all efforts on guiding the U22 squad toward a gold medal at the SEA Games. The team is scheduled to depart for Thailand on December 2.

Dai Nam