On the afternoon of March 16, 2025, the Vietnam national football team received a boost with the return of goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu to training after a brief absence due to a back injury. The 34-year-old shot-stopper, one of the squad’s most experienced players, had been sidelined for a few days but rejoined his teammates at the Go Dau Stadium in Binh Duong, signaling positive progress in his recovery.
The injury scare began on March 13, when Nguyen Dinh Trieu woke up with sharp back pain. The discomfort forced him to miss the team’s afternoon training session that day, prompting immediate attention from the national team’s medical staff. As a precaution, he was taken to a local hospital for a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of the issue. Fortunately, tests revealed that the injury was not severe, sparing him the need for an MRI scan. After a few days of rest and treatment, Nguyen Dinh Trieu was cleared to resume full training by the afternoon of March 16, much to the relief of the coaching staff and fans alike.
With his return, Vietnam now boasts a robust goalkeeping contingent of four players: Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Nguyen Van Viet, Tran Trung Kien, and the newly summoned Trinh Xuan Hoang. Coach Kim Sang-sik called up Trinh Xuan Hoang as a precautionary reinforcement earlier this week, ensuring depth in the position in case Nguyen Dinh Trieu’s condition had worsened. The inclusion of Trinh Xuan Hoang, a promising talent, underscores the team’s meticulous planning as they gear up for crucial upcoming matches.
The team continued their preparations on March 16 with a training session at Go Dau Stadium, where midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan stepped up to address the media on behalf of his teammates. Providing an update on the squad’s progress, he said, “Over the past few days here in Binh Duong, the team has been training diligently and maintaining high spirits as we prepare for the two matches ahead. We’ve had a few injury cases, but only Viet Anh has had to leave the camp. Hai Long and Dinh Trieu are still here, receiving care from the medical team. In a few days, they’ll be back training with the group, and these issues won’t significantly impact the team.”
Doan Ngoc Tan, a key figure for Thanh Hoa FC, also shed light on the competitive dynamics within the squad. “Competition is a natural part of football, and it’s a positive thing for the national team,” he remarked. “Personally, I’m doing my best to showcase my abilities and earn a spot on the pitch. As for the two youngsters, Thai Son and Minh Khoa, they’re both quality players. They’ve performed impressively and have a real chance of featuring in the lineup.”
The midfielder, known for his versatility and work rate, also revealed details of the team’s tactical preparations. “This afternoon, before heading out to train, we all sat down together to review and analyze footage of our upcoming opponents, Cambodia and Laos,” he shared. “The team is well-prepared for these two matches. I believe both games are incredibly important, and we’re approaching them with the focus they deserve.”
Vietnam’s upcoming fixtures include a friendly against Cambodia on March 19, followed by their opening Group F match in the final round of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Laos on March 25. With the squad largely intact—save for the departure of defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh due to injury—Coach Kim Sang-sik is fine-tuning his lineup to ensure peak performance. The return of Nguyen Dinh Trieu and the gradual recovery of midfielder Nguyen Hai Long further bolster the team’s prospects as they aim to kick off their qualification campaign on a strong note.
As the reigning ASEAN Cup champions, Vietnam are under pressure to maintain their regional dominance while proving their mettle in the broader Asian football landscape. With a blend of seasoned veterans like Nguyen Dinh Trieu and emerging talents like Nguyen Thai Son and Vo Hoang Minh Khoa, the team appears poised to meet the challenges ahead.
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