U23 Vietnam loses key player ahead of Asiad 2026: A tough puzzle for coach Dinh Hong Vinh

U23 Vietnam enters the Asiad 2026 campaign with a heavy blow: key midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong has been officially ruled out due to injury. Confirmed by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) on September 10, this loss comes just days before the team departs for Japan. Cong Phuong, 20, was one of the most experienced players in the squad, having won the 33rd SEA Games gold medal and finished third at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. His absence weakens the midfield at a time when preparation time is severely limited. The VFF quickly called up Hoang Quang Dung from Hue Club (born 2026) as a replacement. However, Quang Dung plays in the second division and lacks international experience. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai from Hanoi Club remains unreleased by his club, leaving the team with only two goalkeepers. VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu stated that replacing a goalkeeper is complicated due to injury confirmation procedures. Defender Dang Tuan Phong will only join the squad on matchday against Kuwait U23 (September 15). With just 4 days from assembly (Sept 12) to departure (Sept 13) and the first match, head coach Dinh Hong Vinh barely has time to install a tactical system. The team will likely rely on a simplified, defensive counter-attacking approach. Despite recent achievements, the preparation crisis raises concerns. The Asiad is outside FIFA windows, giving clubs the right to refuse player release, highlighting a governance friction. However, the squad still has quality individuals. The opening match against Kuwait U23 will be a crucial test. This article is based on deep analysis and cross-verified sources.