Vietnam's key defender first to miss crucial clash against Malaysia

Vietnam's national team was dealt a blow just before the second-leg match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, with star defender Bui Tien Dung suffering a knee injury that rules him out of national team duty.

According to confirmation from the player himself, the injury had been lingering for a long time before becoming more severe. Bui Tien Dung shared details about his injury condition with Bongdaplus: “I have a knee injury. It's been a nagging issue for a while and has now flared up. Fortunately, surgery isn't required; I just need two months of rest to return.”

Diagnostic results show the 31-year-old center-back has a torn meniscus in his knee. Although surgical intervention is not needed, the captain of The Cong Viettel still requires at least 6 to 8 weeks for a full recovery. This means he will definitely miss the upcoming Vietnam national team training camp, as well as the crucial match against Malaysia on March 31.

Previously, Bui Tien Dung was absent from The Cong Viettel's two most recent matches. Despite missing their captain, the army team maintained defensive solidity, securing consecutive 1-0 victories over Nam Dinh and Hanoi FC. These results helped The Cong Viettel climb to second place in the standings after round 14, keeping pace with the leading group in the championship race.

However, the influence of Bui Tien Dung, both in terms of skill and leadership, cannot be denied. He is not only an experienced defensive anchor but also a genuine leader in the dressing room. The absence of this veteran defender during the tense phase of the season will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for the coach and his teammates.

Sharing more about his feelings, Bui Tien Dung admitted: “Luckily for me, the injury isn't too severe. Still, I feel a bit sad because the team is entering a critical period, and I can't fight alongside my teammates.”

For the Vietnam national team, this is clearly a significant loss as the squad aims for a favorable result against Malaysia to strengthen its position in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying group. Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Bui Tien Dung remains a key choice due to his extensive international experience, defensive command, and consistent performance.

In the absence of Bui Tien Dung, the coaching staff is likely to consider options such as deploying Doan Van Hau in the left center-back role or giving opportunities to younger talents like Nhat Minh.