Xuan Son underwent medical examinations in Indonesia on the morning of September 27 after being forced off during Vietnam’s 1-0 victory over the Philippines in their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 opener. Doctors diagnosed an injury to the hamstring of the Thep Xanh Nam Dinh striker.

Head coach Kim Sang Sik has agreed to let him return to Vietnam on September 28 for further treatment and rehabilitation. His absence is a significant blow ahead of Vietnam’s match against Thailand at 7:30 p.m. on September 29.

Xuan Son was fouled by Aguinaldo Amani in the 57th minute at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on the evening of September 26. He initially continued playing after being assessed by the medical team.

Three minutes later, while trying to accelerate during a link-up with Nguyen Dinh Bac, he suddenly pulled up and went down in pain without any contact from an opponent. Medical staff immediately came onto the field, and Hai Long subsequently replaced him.

In a post on his personal social media page, Xuan Son thanked Vietnamese fans for their messages of encouragement. He described it as a deeply disappointing moment because he “really wanted to give my all for the country and bring home another title.”

“It is unfortunate, but that is football. I will keep cheering on and supporting my teammates as they fight for the best possible result. I will do everything I can to come back stronger as soon as possible. Thank you, Vietnam. Representing the country and fighting for the red flag with the yellow star has always been an immense source of pride for me,” he wrote.

His early departure could place greater responsibility on Williams Minh Hoang, whose first appearance for Vietnam gave Kim plenty of reasons for optimism.

The 19-year-old played a central role in the only goal against the Philippines. In the 25th minute, he raced down the flank onto Thanh Long’s through ball and sent in a low cross that struck a Philippine defender’s back and changed direction. Dinh Bac pounced to fire past goalkeeper Falkesgaard, securing a winning start for Vietnam.

There was an element of fortune in the goal: without the deflection, the move might have ended differently. Even so, Vietnam’s pressure, and Minh Hoang’s performance in particular, deserved a reward.

Few had expected Kim to hand the teenager a starting place in the tournament opener. Yet on his national team debut, Minh Hoang quickly demonstrated both his ability and his potential.

Despite standing 1.90 meters tall, he was deployed on the right wing rather than at center forward, a calculated choice with Xuan Son already occupying the central role.

With Xuan Son now out of the tournament, the Ho Chi Minh City Police FC forward could take on a greater share of the goalscoring responsibility alongside Dinh Bac.

Kim has seen Minh Hoang develop rapidly. Born in 2007, the forward needed only half a season to establish himself at his club, then just a few national team training sessions to impress the coach and earn an immediate place in the starting lineup.

The South Korean coach’s decision to trust him was not a case of rushing a young player into the side. Kim had recognized the qualities of the forward, who is of Vietnamese and English heritage.

Minh Hoang possesses many of the attributes needed to lead an attack: pace, technique, strength in physical duels, an ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play, and finishing. His approach is straightforward but effective in a distinctly European mold, while his imposing frame belies his nimble movement and deft touch.

After that debut, another start against Thailand would be no surprise. Whether he can fill Xuan Son’s role remains an open question, but he has already shown he can be a long-term option for Kim.

Dai Nam