The latest case is of key midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh who suffered an injury and left the field on a stretcher during a friendly match against South Korea's U23 on Saturday.

After his X-ray examination, doctors said Thinh has two broken ribs and will need at least two months rest.

It means that the Song Lam Nghe An player will miss his SEA Games for the second time in a row.

Two years ago Thinh, 23, had failed to make it to the squad because of a knee ligament injury.

In a Facebook post, Thinh said sorry to everyone who put trust in him; he will not have any SEA Games in the near future.

Striker Phan Van Long of SHB Da Nang who has long suffered a groin injury will also not reach his peak at the Games.

Long will, however, return to his club. 

VNS