Van Truong's ACL surgery was successful, but the Vietnam U22 team suffered a setback.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced that midfielder Nguyen Van Truong, captain of the Vietnam U22 team, has successfully undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The injury, sustained during the CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 international friendly tournament, required long-term treatment in coordination with the VFF and Hanoi FC. According to the plan, Van Truong was expected to be out of action until the end of the 2025/2026 season, directly impacting the Vietnam U22 team's preparations for the SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Injury sustained at Panda Cup and surgery went smoothly.

During the U22 Vietnam vs. U22 South Korea match on November 15th at the Panda Cup 2025, Van Truong suffered an injury after a challenge in the midfield area. The collision injured the right knee of the midfielder born in 2003, forcing him to leave the field and unable to continue playing.

After the team returned home, leading doctors conducted in-depth examinations and diagnosed Van Truong with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The subsequent surgery went smoothly and successfully, opening up a planned recovery phase for the U22 Vietnam captain.

Long-term recovery, a collaboration between the Vietnam Football Federation and Hanoi FC.

Following the post-operative period, at the request of Hanoi FC, Van Truong will be monitored and receive rehabilitation at a medical facility of the club's choosing. The entire process will be supervised by the professional team of the Vietnam Football Federation and the club, ensuring continuity and safety for the athlete.

The Vietnam Football Federation will provide financial support for treatment under the regulations for national team athletes. This will help Van Truong focus on his recovery process so he can return to the field as soon as possible.

• November 15th: Injured during the Vietnam U22 vs. South Korea U22 match at the Panda Cup 2025.
• Diagnosis: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the right knee.
• Surgery: Went smoothly and successfully.
• Expected retirement date: End of the 2025/2026 season.

Professional impact on Vietnam U22

The absence of the captain right before the preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship is a major loss. Van Truong is considered one of the pillars of the midfield, a "nucleus" in the playing style that the coaching staff is building. His absence not only creates a personnel void but also affects the operational structure in the midfield and the cohesion in the team's organization.

Recent form context

Prior to his injury, Van Truong had performed outstandingly in recent international tournaments such as the U23 Southeast Asian Championship and the U23 Asian Championship qualifiers. His consistent role in the midfield was the foundation for the coaching staff's game plan. His extended absence due to injury forces the team to prepare personnel options and adjust the workload in the midfield area in the coming period.

A message of encouragement from the Vietnam Football Federation.

The leaders of the Vietnam Football Federation sent words of encouragement and wished Van Truong a speedy recovery after surgery, hoping he would return stronger to play for his club and the national team. This is essential moral support for the long-term recovery period of the U22 Vietnam captain.