Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh likely does not require summoning a player to substitute for Doãn Ngọc Tân because he possesses numerous skilled midfielders.
In the match against Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh in the 3rd round of the V-League on the evening of August 27, midfielder Doãn Ngọc Tân suffered fractures to three ribs following a strong collision on the field. Immediately, the captain of Đông Á Thanh Hoá had to undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 months. He will definitely miss the Vietnam National Team's upcoming training camp.
Coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnam National Team's staff have been informed about Doãn Ngọc Tân’s condition, but no replacement plan has been announced yet. It is highly likely the team will not call up additional players and will maximize the use of those already summoned since there are no international friendlies scheduled.
Võ Hoàng Minh Khoa is the standout candidate to fill the position left by his senior. During the FIFA Days in March and June, Minh Khoa was also called up by Coach Kim and served as the primary substitute for "Hứ" in the Vietnam National Team, starting in both matches against Laos and Malaysia. Currently, Minh Khoa is one of the key players of Becamex TPHCM club. Recently, Coach Mano Polking praised the 2001-born player: "He is an excellent and versatile player that any team would want to have.”
Besides Minh Khoa, the Vietnam National Team's roster for this training camp also features several impressive midfielders, including Lý Công Hoàng Anh, Đức Chiến and Triệu Việt Hưng. All three have shown good form with their clubs after the first three rounds, each having scored their first goal.
The Vietnam National Team is expected to assemble in Hanoi today, August 29. During the training period at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh and his team will play two practice matches against Công An Hà Nội Club (on September 4) and Thép Xanh Nam Định Club (on September 7). Minh Khoa will join the squad late after completing the match against Thể Công Viettel on August 30.