Surgeon Xuân Son may proceed with surgery for Hiểu Minh

The surgical team led by Dr. Xuân Son is likely to perform the upcoming injury operation on Hiểu Minh.

Center-back Nguyễn Hiểu Minh is considered the unluckiest member of Vietnam’s U23 team after the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, as he suffered a severe injury during the semifinal match against U23 China. Immediately after the team returned by flight, the Orthopedic Trauma and Sports Medicine Center at Vinmec International General Hospital arranged a medical team and ambulance to transfer Hiểu Minh directly from the airport to the hospital for continuous monitoring and in-depth examination.

On the morning of January 25th, Vinmec doctors held a consultation and confirmed that Hiểu Minh had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, a serious injury that usually requires surgery. Notably, the surgical team expected to operate on the 2004-born center-back is likely the same experienced group that successfully operated on Xuân Son after his severe injury in the 2024 AFF Cup final. This team has extensive expertise handling complex injuries for elite athletes.

However, Hiểu Minh and his family are not rushing into surgery immediately. The U23 Vietnam center-back wishes to have more time to carefully consider the timing and location of the surgery, aiming to ensure the best treatment outcomes and a long-term recovery that supports his career.

Hiểu Minh’s ability to appear and function relatively normally in recent days is based on medical assessments indicating that urgent surgical intervention is not yet necessary. The Vietnam Football Federation and medical partners fully respect the player’s and family’s personal decision and affirm their full support once the surgery is scheduled.

Currently, Hiểu Minh has been discharged and returned to the PVF-CAND club base to rest and monitor his injury. The surgery is planned to take place soon under optimal medical conditions, aiming to help the center-back recover safely and sustainably.

Nguyễn Hiểu Minh is regarded as a key defensive figure for U23 Vietnam under coach Kim Sang Sik. The 1.84-meter-tall center-back regularly started throughout 2025, playing a significant role in winning the U23 Southeast Asia Championship and the gold medal at SEA Games 33. At the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, he started four matches, scored a goal, earned the Man of the Match award against U23 Jordan, and ranked second overall in clearances before the semifinal with 36. With maximum investment in medical care and expertise, Hiểu Minh is expected to return to the field in top condition soon.