Hanoi, 21 January 2026 – The incident occurred in the 30th minute of the match, when Xiang Yuwang attempted to keep the ball in play near the byline in U23 Vietnam’s defensive half. Centre-back Nguyen Hieu Minh rushed in to challenge and was involved in a heavy collision. After receiving on-field treatment from the team’s medical staff, Hieu Minh was taken off on a stretcher and transported directly to hospital by ambulance.
Detailed medical examinations, including musculoskeletal ultrasound, X-ray and MRI scans, confirmed that Nguyen Hieu Minh suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Upon returning to Vietnam, the Vietnam Football Federation will send the player to the Vinmec Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, where specialists will hold consultations and determine a treatment plan. With this type of ACL injury, the expected recovery period is typically between six and nine months.
At the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, Nguyen Hieu Minh was regarded as a key pillar in U23 Vietnam’s defence, starting all four matches before the semi-final. The centre-back, born in 2004, was named Man of the Match in the opening 2-0 victory over U23 Jordan, a game in which he scored the decisive goal. Prior to the semi-final, Hieu Minh also ranked second in the tournament for total clearances, with 36, behind only Xiao Peng of U23 China (46).
While injuries are an unavoidable part of football, the loss of a young defender who was in excellent form like Nguyen Hieu Minh is a particularly heavy blow for U23 Vietnam. His absence is also a significant setback for PVF-CAND as they plan their squad for the V.League 1 2025/26 season.
In addition to Hieu Minh’s injury, U23 Vietnam’s defensive line will face further difficulties as full-back Pham Ly Duc will be unavailable due to suspension, having received a straight red card in the semi-final against U23 China.
Ha Anh
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