Key player of Vietnam U23 sets surgery date

Midfielder Nguyễn Thái Sơn is scheduled for an operation on the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on February 6.

During the match between CAHN and Ninh Bình on the evening of February 1, midfielder Nguyễn Thái Sơn suddenly fell to the ground holding his leg in pain without any contact with other players, and had to be stretchered off.

After a detailed examination, the MRI results revealed Thái Sơn suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, one of the most severe injuries for footballers. According to medical staff assessments, Thái Sơn will require surgery and will be out for approximately 8-9 months before returning to play, depending on his recovery speed and rehabilitation process after the operation.

According to reliable sources, the new signing of Ninh Bình club is set to undergo surgery on February 6 in Ho Chi Minh City. This is also where defender Nguyễn Hiểu Minh had surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury and meniscus tear during the 2026 U23 Asian Championship.

After returning from the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, Thái Sơn, along with Văn Thuận and Ngọc Mỹ, said goodbye to Thanh Hoá and transferred to Ninh Bình club. The match against CAHN was also his debut game for the new team.

Before the injury, Thái Sơn was brought on by Spanish coach Gerard Albadalejo at the start of the second half. Although his playing time was limited, the midfielder delivered an impressive performance in the midfield for the Hoa Lư-based team.

Thái Sơn’s long-term absence will certainly leave a significant gap in Ninh Bình’s midfield. As the team is under pressure in the long race of the 2025/26 V-League, losing a central midfielder capable of contesting, recovering the ball, and organizing play like Thái Sơn will force the coaching staff to quickly adjust personnel and tactics.

We hope the 2003-born midfielder will have a successful surgery, recover according to schedule, and return to the pitch stronger, continuing to prove his talent for both the club and the national teams in the future.