5 options capable of replacing Tiến Linh, Đình Bắc to battle Malaysia

Vietnam's national team confronts a significant staffing issue before the upcoming match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers due to the absence of two main strikers, Nguyễn Tiến Linh and Nguyễn Đình Bắc.

On the evening of February 8, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC unexpectedly lost 1-2 at home to Thanh Hóa in the 13th round of the 2025/26 V.League. This defeat not only dropped coach Lê Huỳnh Đức’s team to 6th place with 20 points but also raised serious concerns about the squad after their main striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh got injured. After the match, coach Lê Huỳnh Đức confirmed the injury of the 1997-born forward was a recurring ankle injury, persistent in nature and potentially affecting his long-term performance.

In another development, Vietnam’s national team is also certain to be without Nguyễn Đình Bắc in the match against Malaysia on March 31. The forward currently playing for CAHN was suspended after receiving a direct red card in the third-place playoff of the U23 Asian Cup against U23 South Korea. According to AFC regulations, Đình Bắc will be banned for at least two official AFC national team matches. Since he is overage for the 2028 U23 Asian Cup, this suspension applies to the senior national team, meaning he will miss the Malaysia game.

Losing both Tiến Linh (due to uncertain fitness) and Đình Bắc (suspended) at the same time forces coach Kim Sang-sik to reconsider his attacking lineup. Among them, five prominent names are being discussed as potential replacements.

The first is Nguyễn Xuân Son, the naturalized striker with the highest expectations. However, since returning from injury, Xuân Son has yet to score in the 2025/26 V.League. Nevertheless, this has not caused too much concern for coach Kim Sang-sik. In regional competitions (the Southeast Asian Champions Cup), Xuân Son has consistently scored, netting 7 goals in 3 matches. If he regains his scoring form in the V.League, he remains the top choice for Vietnam’s frontline.

Another notable option is Hoàng Hên, the midfielder from Hanoi FC who is in excellent form with 4 goals and 3 assists in 7 appearances this season. His all-around playstyle allows him to both score and organize attacks. If he maintains this level, Hoàng Hên is likely to be called up by coach Kim Sang-sik and could reunite with Xuân Son on the national team.

Phạm Tuấn Hải is also an important asset. In the 2024 ASEAN Cup, although mainly a substitute, he was unexpectedly started in the second leg of the final and immediately shined by scoring a goal and causing an own goal, playing a major role in Vietnam’s championship. Tuấn Hải’s experience and composure make him a reliable choice if the team needs a quality winger or supporting striker.

In the central striker position, Phạm Gia Hưng is emerging as a long-term replacement for Tiến Linh. The 1.82m forward from Ninh Bình was the top scorer in the 2024/25 First Division with 6 goals and continues scoring in the 2025/26 V.League. With good physique, speed, and sharp finishing skills, Gia Hưng is expected to bring fresh energy to Vietnam’s attack.

Finally, there is the case of Geovane Magno, the Brazilian striker who has played in Vietnam since 2019 and has repeatedly expressed his desire to naturalize. Recently, he posted an ambiguous message saying “Keep fighting for the dream” along with the Vietnamese flag. In the 13th round of the V.League, Geovane scored a classy free-kick against HAGL. If he completes his citizenship procedures in time, he could become an unexpected option for coach Kim Sang-sik in the match against Malaysia.

The match against Malaysia is crucial in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the personnel issue in the attack line poses many challenges for the Korean strategist. Given Tiến Linh’s uncertain fitness and Đình Bắc’s suspension, choosing the right replacements will significantly influence the outcome at Thiên Trường Stadium.