Hanoi, 4 October 2025 – Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai will miss Vietnam’s national team training camp in October after failing to recover from a shoulder injury in time for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
On October 3, the Hanoi-born playmaker underwent an MRI scan to assess the extent of his right shoulder problem. The results revealed that he still needs additional rest to ensure full recovery and avoid any risk of recurrence. Head coach Kim Sang Sik has agreed with the medical team’s advice and decided not to include Quang Hai in the squad for this international window.
Coach Kim confirmed that no replacement would be called up, leaving the squad with 23 players – the exact number permitted under Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations.
The injury has already sidelined Quang Hai from three international matches with Hanoi Police FC in both the AFC Champions League Two and the ASEAN Club Championship 2025-2026. His absence is a setback for Vietnam’s creativity in midfield, as he remains one of the team’s most influential players and a key figure in recent years.
The national team assembled today in Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong, where they will train for five days before facing Nepal in two crucial fixtures in Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The first leg will take place at Go Dau Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on October 9, followed by the return match at Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, on October 14.
After two rounds, Vietnam sit second in Group F with three points — level with Laos but ahead on goal difference (+1 to -4). Malaysia currently lead the group with six points after victories over Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0).
However, Malaysia have been hit by a major scandal that could change the group standings. FIFA recently handed severe penalties to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players for allegedly falsifying registration documents related to mixed-heritage eligibility. The players have been banned from football for 12 months, and FAM could face retroactive sanctions, including forfeiting both of their opening matches by 0-3.
If those results are overturned, Malaysia risk losing their top position, potentially reshaping Vietnam’s path to qualification.
For now, the Vietnamese team are focused solely on their upcoming fixtures against Nepal. Head coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized that the objective remains clear: “We must concentrate on our preparation and deliver two wins to strengthen our position. Whatever happens with Malaysia, it’s important that we take care of our own results first.”
With Quang Hai absent, the responsibility will fall on midfielders like Nguyen Hoang Duc and Le Van Do to provide creativity and attacking impetus as Vietnam aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Thanh Ha – Hong Phuc
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