Will SLNA goalkeeper Le Van Hung be fit to participate in the first half of the 2020 V.League season?

Speaking to Nghe An Newspaper, coach Nguyen Duc Thang confirmed: “Le Van Hung will definitely not be able to participate in the pre-season training with SLNA in 2020, as he has not fully recovered from his injury. We don't want Le Van Hung to risk his career, so it's highly likely we won't register him in the squad for the first half of next season.”

Meanwhile, the goalkeeper from Thai Hoa town also revealed the risk of being sidelined for the entire first half of the 2020 V.League season: "I am still recovering from a torn meniscus in my left knee and it will take about 1-2 months before I can return to playing. It's very likely I will miss the beginning of the upcoming season."

Le Van Hung has not yet fully recovered from his injury. (Photo: Archival image)

Due to a torn meniscus in his left knee sustained during a training session with SLNA in May, Le Van Hung did not play a single match for the Nghe An team last season. The 27-year-old goalkeeper spent most of his time in the SLNA gym and at the PVF Center in Hung Yen.

Also related to the goalkeeper position, a few days ago, the Vinh-based team successfully recruited former Vietnam U23 goalkeeper Nguyen Van Hoang on a free transfer. At the end of the 2019 season, the goalkeeper from Tan Ky parted ways with Saigon FC after his contract officially expired. Currently, Nguyen Van Hoang is training with his hometown team.

Therefore, the position of number one goalkeeper for SLNA in the first half of the 2020 season will be a direct competition between Nguyen Van Hoang, Tran Van Tien, and Duong Van Cuong. Their performances leading up to the new season will determine who will inherit the position left vacant by goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh.