Vietnam U22 team loses Van Truong, sidelined for 8 months, misses SEA Games 33.

Midfielder Nguyen Van Truong shed tears at the Panda Cup 2025 and, on the morning of November 26th, completed his injury surgery in Ho Chi Minh City. According to information from the club, Van Truong is expected to be out of action for about 8 months, thus certainly missing the SEA Games 33 and the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.

The surgery was successful, and the expected recovery time is 8 months.

During the final match of the Panda Cup 2025 international friendly tournament between Vietnam U22 and South Korea U22 on November 18th, Van Truong unfortunately suffered a knee ligament injury and had to undergo surgery. On the morning of November 26th, the midfielder, born in 2003, underwent surgery for the ligament injury, and the operation was successful. He is expected to be out for about 8 months for treatment and recovery.

Hanoi FC has confirmed that the player wearing jersey number 19 will be out for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season. The capital city team is committed to creating the best conditions for Van Truong to return to play in the new season as soon as possible.

Tactical gaps in the midfield of the Vietnam U22 team.

The absence of Van Truong is a major loss for the Vietnam U22 team. In the team's system, he is a particularly important factor thanks to his ability to play both central midfield and attacking midfield, his energetic and intelligent playing style, and his ability to maintain the tempo for the entire team. Losing this player who controls the tempo and connects the team, the Vietnam U22 team is forced to redistribute roles in the midfield.

In terms of personnel, coach Kim Sang Sik has maintained the established core squad, while also adding some familiar names to the national team environment such as Nguyen Le Phat, Tran Thanh Trung, and Nguyen Duc Viet. These are all players who have participated in recent training camps, grasped the tactical requirements, and integrated well into the team's playing style.

Key events and timeline

• November 18th: Van Truong suffered a knee ligament injury during the Panda Cup 2025 (the match between Vietnam U22 and South Korea U22).
• November 26th: Ligament injury surgery in Ho Chi Minh City, successful operation.
• He is expected to take a break from competition for about 8 months, missing the SEA Games 33 and the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.
• Hanoi FC is committed to providing the best possible conditions for the player's early return.

External factors: change of competition venue

The Vietnam U22 team will not be playing at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla due to the complicated flood situation in the area. This change of venue creates additional challenges for preparation, as the team is currently arranging its squad to compensate for the absence of a key midfielder.

Professional perspective: maintaining pace and stability

In the absence of a player capable of maintaining tempo, stability in the team's overall operation becomes the top priority. Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision to retain the core squad, only adding familiar faces to meet tactical requirements, shows a focus on minimizing disruption to preserve the team's structure. These adjustments aim to share responsibility for controlling the tempo and flexibility between the lines, rather than rebuilding from scratch.

For Van Truong, the successful surgery is an important first step. The commitment of support from Hanoi FC, along with an 8-month recovery plan, opens up the opportunity to return in the new season when he is in his best physical condition.

CTVX