Cong Phuong trains separately as Dong Nai team convenes: The team's strategy to protect its star player.
Returning after the Lunar New Year holiday, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong is still unable to join his teammates due to an injury sustained in round 8. Dong Nai Club has decided not to risk their key player.
On the afternoon of February 20th (the 4th day of the Lunar New Year), Dong Nai Football Club officially reunited and returned to the training ground to prepare for the upcoming rounds of the First Division League. However, the absence of Nguyen Cong Phuong from the group training sessions became the focus of attention for the media and fans.
Nguyen Cong Phuong's recovery status
According to observations at the training ground, the striker born in 1995 only appeared in the sidelines to perform light exercises according to his individual training plan. All of Cong Phuong's activities are under close monitoring by the medical team and coaching staff to ensure the best possible recovery progress.
The striker's fitness issues stemmed from the match against Khanh Hoa in round 8 on January 31st. Although preliminary assessments suggest the injury is not too serious, Cong Phuong still needs time to regain his best form after nearly three weeks of treatment.
Necessary caution from the coaching staff.
The team from the Southeast region is showing maximum caution regarding their most important star. Instead of urging Cong Phuong to return early for competitive training, the coaching staff is prioritizing his complete recovery to avoid the risk of recurrence during the crucial final stages of the season.
Furthermore, the absence of Cong Phuong from team training sessions is considered a minor personnel loss, but a necessary strategic step. Previously, the former HAGL striker had a warm Tet holiday with his family in Nghe An before rejoining the team and immediately beginning his personal recovery program.
Currently, Công Phượng's participation in the upcoming rounds remains uncertain, depending entirely on his body's response to gradually increasing intensity training exercises in the coming days.