Van Hau started and wore the captain's armband in the friendly match against CAHN.
Doan Van Hau started and wore the captain's armband in the friendly match between CAHN and Lion City Sailors; according to Transfermarkt, he has been sidelined for over 600 days, with a total time away from the pitch exceeding 1,100 days.
In the friendly match between Hanoi Police FC and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the FIFA Days, Doan Van Hau returned to the starting lineup and wore the captain's armband. This is a clear sign that the Vietnamese national team's left-back has reached a stable physical condition after a long period of injury treatment.
Key moment: captain's armband in Singapore
Starting and wearing the captain's armband in an international friendly match holds great significance for Van Hau. After months of recovery, he not only participated but was also given a leadership role on the field. Previously, the defender had played a few minutes in the friendly match between Hanoi FC and CAHN in early October, but his return in Singapore truly confirmed he was ready to return to normal play.
The recovery process is lengthy.
Van Hau had to undergo treatment for an Achilles tendon injury and went through several rehabilitation sessions in Singapore and South Korea. According to sources, the treatment period lasted more than a year, requiring persistent effort to maintain his fitness and fitness level. His presence from the start of the match shows that his recovery process has reached a crucial stage.
A remarkable number
- According to Transfermarkt, Van Hau was sidelined for more than 600 days during the 2023/2024 season alone.
- Including previous knee injuries, the total time he has been away from the pitch exceeds 1,100 days.
- At 26, he returned at a time when both his club and national team needed more options on the left flank.
Impact on the Vietnamese National Team
Now that his health has recovered, Van Hau is ready to compete for a position in the Vietnamese national team. Sources indicate that, after Xuan Son, his return provides the team with another quality option at left-back. According to the source, he is likely to be considered for the match against Malaysia in March 2026.
The significance goes beyond a friendly match.
Van Hau's return is a notable personnel boost for CAHN and the Vietnamese national team during this crucial period. From a few minutes of practice in early October to wearing the captain's armband against Lion City Sailors, his journey is proof of his determination to stay on the field, train disciplined, and maintain a professional attitude throughout his recovery from injury.
Tactical perspective: roles and signals of confidence
Even though it was only a friendly match, the decision to start Van Hau and give him the captain's armband shows the coaching staff's trust in his fitness and role. This also provides a foundation for the defender to regain his rhythm and be ready to meet the high-intensity demands at the national team level when called up.