National team defender Ho Tan Tai will undergo surgery after follow-up examinations revealed his knee injury sustained during the ASEAN Cup 2024 was more severe than initially diagnosed.
The re-evaluation confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Tan Tai’s right knee, requiring surgery. Renowned ligament surgeon Dr. Pham Quoc Hung will perform the procedure in Ho Chi Minh City on January 14. Tan Tai is expected to be sidelined for 8 to 9 months to fully recover.
On the evening of January 12, Tan Tai appeared at an event in Ho Chi Minh City alongside fellow national team players Bui Tien Dung, Nguyen Hoang Duc, and Bui Vi Hao. Walking with a noticeable limp, the Binh Duong defender received heartfelt support from fans wishing him a swift recovery.
Tan Tai’s surgery is a significant blow not only to him but also to his club, Binh Duong. The 1997-born player has been a key figure for the team in the V-League 2024-2025 season, making eight appearances, including six starts, and scoring one goal. Unfortunately, his campaign came to an abrupt end due to the injury.
The injury occurred during the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semifinals against Singapore. In the dying minutes of stoppage time, while joining an attacking play, Tan Tai mishandled the ball and collapsed in pain. Initially diagnosed with a bruised cruciate ligament that required only physical therapy for recovery, the follow-up revealed a more serious condition.
Given that the injury was sustained while representing Vietnam at the ASEAN Cup 2024, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) will cover all costs for the surgery and post-operative rehabilitation. Tan Tai is the second national team player requiring surgery after the tournament, following striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who fractured his fibula during the second leg of the final in Thailand and underwent surgery in Hanoi.
Tan Tai’s absence will be deeply felt, but the collective hope remains that the defender will return stronger and contribute to both club and national success in the future.
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