Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) replaces U23 Vietnam goalkeeper ahead of Asian tournament.
Coach Kim Sang Sik has called up goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai to replace Nguyen Tan, who suffered a shoulder injury. The coaching staff is also closely monitoring Thanh Nhan's condition.
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has officially announced important personnel changes to the Vietnam U23 team ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. The decision was made as the team is finalizing its preparations for the continental tournament.
An unavoidable change to the wooden frame.
Following a suggestion from coach Kim Sang Sik, goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai has been called up to replace Nguyen Tan. Previously, Nguyen Tan suffered a shoulder injury during a recent training session. After careful assessment, the medical team confirmed that he needed more time for treatment and could not guarantee optimal fitness for the upcoming tournament.
Pham Dinh Hai is considered a quality replacement thanks to his extensive experience at various youth levels. The goalkeeper has played for the Vietnamese national teams from U16 to U20 and recently trained with the U23 team in preparation for the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship. His experience working with the current coaching staff helps Dinh Hai quickly adapt to the professional requirements.
The injury concerns of 'hero' Thanh Nhàn
Besides the changes in the goalkeeper position, the coaching staff's attention is now focused on striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan. The player born in 2003 is currently dealing with a muscle injury and must follow a special recovery plan. This is not the first time Thanh Nhan has faced adversity right before major tournaments.
Thanh Nhàn's injury history is a series of regrettable missed opportunities at the 2023 Asian Cup, the 2024 U23 Asian Championship, and the 2025 ASEAN Cup. However, his importance in coach Kim Sang Sik's system is undeniable. At the 33rd SEA Games, Thanh Nhàn scored the decisive goal against Thailand U22 in the final, helping Vietnam defend their prestigious gold medal.
Aiming for continental goals
Adjusting the squad and closely monitoring the medical situation demonstrates the caution of the Vietnam U23 coaching staff. The team needs to ensure maximum depth and stability before entering the intense matches. According to the schedule, Vietnam U23 will begin their campaign at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship with a challenging opening match against Jordan U23.
All preparations are currently being accelerated to ensure the players are in peak form and ready to compete for a high ranking in the upcoming tournament.
