Coach Viet Thang reports: Cong Phuong is not yet able to return.
Truong Tuoi Dong Nai won 4-2 against Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City in round 6, but coach Viet Thang confirmed that Cong Phuong has not trained with the team and will continue to be absent; the team currently has 14 injured players.
Coach Viet Thang confirmed that Cong Phuong will not be able to play in the next match and has not even trained with the team yet. This information comes right after Truong Tuoi Dong Nai won 4-2 against Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City in round 6 of the First Division league, thus continuing to chase the top spot held by Khacoto Khanh Hoa.
Cong Phuong is still absent – confirmed by coach Viet Thang.
Before round 6, images of Cong Phuong training were posted on the team's fanpage, leading fans to hope the captain would be included in the matchday squad. However, the striker born in 1995 was again absent. After the match, head coach Viet Thang said: "Cong Phuong is not yet ready to play in the next match and hasn't trained with the team. I'm very disappointed about Cong Phuong. Since the beginning of the season, while preparing for the National Cup, Phuong contributed 4 goals in training matches."
Despite expectations of a return being delayed, Dong Nai still won 4-2.
Despite the absence of Cong Phuong, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai still defeated Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City 4-2. This result helps the team continue to closely trail Khacoto Khanh Hoa. However, the longing for Cong Phuong among Dong Nai fans remains, as he has been absent for 7 consecutive matches (6 in the First Division and 1 in the National Cup).
Tactical gaps and necessary adjustments
The lack of a key striker forced the coaching staff to change the personnel structure. Coach Viet Thang clarified: "Without Cong Phuong, I have to rotate the personnel. Minh Vuong isn't a striker, but I have to push him forward. I use central midfielders when Phuong is absent. We have 14 injured players, so we have to rotate positions. Fortunately, the team is eager, listens, and explores their own abilities. They play in positions that aren't their forte but still perform well."
These adjustments show that Truong Tuoi Dong Nai is prioritizing flexibility: instead of fixed roles, positions are being swapped to compensate for shortages in the attacking line. Given the depleted squad, the 4 goals scored in the last match reflect the team's adaptability.
Cong Phuong's role in the attacking plan.
According to the team, Cong Phuong is considered the main attacking threat and the heart of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai's offensive play. However, since the beginning of this season, his contributions have been zero due to injury. Previously, in preparation for the National Cup, Cong Phuong scored 4 goals in training matches, demonstrating his influence when in good form.
After a year back playing in Vietnam, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the field wearing his familiar number 10 jersey. In the 2024/2025 season, when he first played for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, the former HAGL star wore the number 70 jersey and scored 7 goals in the First Division.
Selective statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Results of Round 6 | Truong Tuoi Dong Nai 4-2 Thanh Nien Street, Ho Chi Minh City |
| Cong Phuong's series of absences | 7 matches (6 First Division, 1 National Cup) |
| Injury in the team | 14 |
| Cong Phuong's goal during preparations for the National Cup. | 4 (in practice matches) |
| Goalkeeper in the Championship 2024/2025 season (shirt number 70) | 7 |
Prospects
With Công Phượng "not yet training with the team" and certainly not playing in the next match, the timing of his return remains uncertain. In the meantime, Trường Tươi Đồng Nai continues to rely on discipline and personnel flexibility to chase down Khacoto Khánh Hòa. Fans' biggest hope is to see the familiar number 10, Công Phượng, on the field once he has fully recovered.
