Cong Phuong travels to Singapore for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) check-up.
Cong Phuong of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai will travel to Singapore for a follow-up examination of his anterior cruciate ligament; he has missed 7 matches since the start of the season, and is expected to need about 2 months to recover. He could return in round 8 if all goes well.
Striker Nguyen Cong Phuong of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai will travel to Singapore for a follow-up examination of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. He has been absent since the beginning of the season, missing 7 matches in the 2025/26 National First Division and the National Cup. The coaching staff is taking a cautious approach; if the recovery process goes according to plan, Cong Phuong could return around round 8 in about two months.
Recent developments: Back to training but not yet registered to play.
Images of Cong Phuong appearing on the training ground in a positive mood were shared on the official fanpage of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, bringing excitement to the "Green Warriors". Although many fans expect the striker born in 1995 to participate in round 6 of the 2025/26 National First Division League, coach Nguyen Viet Thang has not yet included him in the registration list.
Professional impact: the burden of scoring goals falls on teammates.
The absence of Cong Phuong since the beginning of the season has significantly affected Dong Nai's attacking strength. The time he has spent sidelined has placed the burden of scoring goals on Minh Vuong, Tu Nhan, and Xuan Truong.
Recovery plan: re-test in Singapore, no risk
According to the plan, Cong Phuong will travel to Singapore for a re-examination of the anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained at the beginning of the season. Although his overall physical condition has improved, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of not taking any risks with this sensitive injury.
Expected timeline
- He has missed 7 matches since the start of the 2025/26 National First Division and National Cup season.
- Not eligible to register for Round 6.
- It is expected to take approximately two more months to complete the recovery.
- If all goes well, they could start playing from round 8 of the 2025/26 National First Division League.
Position in the coach's plan
Rumors once circulated that Công Phượng didn't fit into coach Nguyễn Việt Thắng's philosophy, but the coach denied them and affirmed his important role in the team.
With a clear recovery roadmap and a cautious approach, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai hopes to regain a key attacking player in the upcoming phase of the season, as their offense needs more options to create breakthroughs.
