Severely lacking players, Thanh Hóa FC continues to lose members

With just 17 players remaining, Thanh Hóa FC lost one more player in the make-up game against CAHN because of receiving three yellow cards.

The difficulties persist for Thanh Hóa FC as they face the upcoming rescheduled match without another key player. Nguyễn Đình Huyên is suspended after receiving his third yellow card, making an already thin roster even more strained. The coaching staff has very limited rotation options and must rely heavily on the endurance of the eligible players.

This challenge comes right before the clash with CAHN – a team with deep squad depth and strong form. While the opponent can deploy many quality substitutes, Thanh Hóa must carefully manage every minute on the field, minimizing risks of further cards or injuries. Even a minor incident could cause the situation to spiral out of control.

Previously, mid-season, the Thanh Hóa team had to part ways with numerous key players and young talents. The current registered squad is down to 17 players, including three goalkeepers. This shortage turns every training session and official match into a challenging puzzle for coach Mai Xuân Hợp and his staff.

Due to the limited squad size, Thanh Hóa created an unusual scene in round 13. After a 2-1 win at Thống Nhất stadium, players revealed that a goalkeeper had to prepare an outfield player's jersey, ready to step in at any moment. It sounds like a joke but reflects the reality they had to face.

Midfielder Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ admitted that the team barely has tactical options. With so few players available for rotation, every change must be made with great caution. Therefore, team spirit and fighting to the last breath are the biggest supports for Thanh Hóa to overcome adversity.

Nonetheless, they have achieved encouraging results, from a draw against Nam Định to a victory over CA TP HCM. Currently, Thanh Hóa has 12 points, ranking 11th and five points ahead of Đà Nẵng. The road ahead will surely be tough, especially as there are no signs of squad reinforcements yet.