Coach Kim Sang-sik receives double good news: Van Truong is recovering well, and Hieu Minh's surgery was successful.

Coach Kim Sang-sik has just received very positive news regarding the personnel situation of the Vietnamese national team. According to the latest information, the young key players Nguyen Van Truong and Nguyen Hieu Minh are making significant progress in their injury treatment, opening up hope for the long-term plans of Vietnamese football.

Nguyen Van Truong: A bright spot two months after surgery.

Midfielder Nguyen Van Truong, a promising player from Hanoi FC, said his recovery is progressing very well after two months of ligament surgery in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, the player is focusing intensely on physiotherapy exercises with specialized support from the medical team.

Van Truong's absence in recent times has been a significant loss for the national teams at all levels. This injury has caused the former captain of the Vietnam U23 team to miss the SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. In particular, the void he left in the midfield is considered one of the biggest regrets after the semi-final result against China U23 on January 20th.

Nguyen Hieu Minh and his 10-month recovery journey.

Following the good news from Van Truong, center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh also underwent successful surgery on the morning of January 28th. Notably, Hieu Minh was treated by the same team of doctors and at the same hospital where Van Truong had his surgery, ensuring consistency in medical care.

Hiểu Minh suffered a serious injury, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, after a strong collision during a match against the Chinese U23 team. According to expert assessments, the young central defender will need approximately 10 months to fully recover and return to professional football. Despite the lengthy recovery period, the successful surgery is an important morale boost, giving the player confidence for the upcoming period.

Expectations for campaigns in 2026

The fact that two key players have clear recovery paths helps coach Kim Sang-sik somewhat alleviate the pressure regarding personnel issues. Van Truong's return is expected to help Hanoi FC maintain its strength in the V-League, while also providing a quality addition to the national team for important campaigns in 2026.

Furthermore, the successful recovery of his senior teammate Van Truong will be the most practical source of motivation for Hieu Minh to persevere through his injury. The close attention from the coaching staff shows the thorough preparation of Vietnamese football in protecting and developing the next generation of talented players.