Van Hau started and wore the captain's armband for CAHN in Singapore.
Doan Van Hau returned to the starting lineup and wore the captain's armband in Hanoi Police's FIFA Days friendly match against Lion City Sailors in Singapore, a positive sign for the Vietnamese national team.
The captain's armband and a starting spot: that's how Doan Van Hau ended his long injury layoff to make his comeback in the Hanoi Police jersey in an international friendly against Lion City Sailors Football Club in Singapore during FIFA Days on the afternoon of November 14th. The presence of the Vietnamese national team's left-back is the clearest indication that he has recovered, opening up hope for the upcoming goals of both the club and the national team.
The FIFA Days friendly match context and signals from Singapore.
The match against Lion City Sailors Football Club was part of Hanoi Police's international friendly program during FIFA Days, which the club considered a warm-up for their domestic and international competitions. In this context, Van Hau's return to the starting lineup and captaincy further reinforced confidence in his fitness and role after a long period of treatment.
Recovery roadmap: from Achilles heel to comeback day
Since September 2023, Van Hau has been sidelined due to an Achilles heel injury – a complex injury requiring a lengthy recovery process. During this time, he traveled to Singapore and South Korea several times for specialized treatment, while strictly adhering to a rehabilitation program. This effort helped the Vietnamese national team's left-back gradually return to action. In early October, he played in a friendly match between Hanoi FC and Hanoi Police, laying the groundwork for his most recent start.
Inactivity data according to Transfermarkt
According to data from Transfermarkt, in the 2023/2024 season alone, Van Hau was absent for over 600 days due to injury. Including previous long-term absences due to knee injuries, the total time away from the pitch is estimated to exceed 1,100 days. These figures highlight the challenging nature of the 1999-born defender's career and emphasize his persistent efforts to return to playing.
Significance for the Vietnamese National Team
Sources indicate that after Xuan Son, Van Hau is also ready to return with 100% fitness. This is positive news for the Vietnamese national team, where he has always been a reliable option at left-back. It is highly likely that Van Hau will be called up for the March 2026 training camp when the team faces Malaysia, provided he maintains his fitness and match rhythm.
Internal feedback and preparations for the next stage.
The decision to give Van Hau the captain's armband in the friendly match in Singapore reflects the internal confidence placed in him, both in terms of his professional skills and experience. This match also served as preparation for Hanoi Police before pursuing important domestic and international goals, with the expectation of making good use of the return of key players.
Related reactions
Related articles indicate that coach Mano Polking expressed his delight at seeing Van Hau return to the pitch. Although no further details were revealed, this reaction shows great interest in the recovery journey of the Vietnamese national team's left-back.
After more than a year of persistent recovery, his return in Singapore was a necessary step for Van Hau to regain his match fitness. With his physical condition proven through his starting appearances and captaincy, this left-back is opening a new chapter – realistic, calm, and promising – for both Hanoi Police FC and the Vietnamese national team.
