Vietnam's top star faces issues after 3-1 win over Malaysia

Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc experienced knee issues and was forced to take a break from playing following Vietnam's 3-1 triumph against Malaysia.

Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc experienced health issues and had to undergo immediate examination after Vietnam's 3-1 win over Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers. This information was confirmed on April 1st, when the 1998-born player was taken for knee checks after playing the full 90 minutes on the field.

Diagnostic results showed Hoang Duc suffered from overload due to high-intensity play throughout March. Before the match against Malaysia, he played 45 minutes against Bangladesh and continuously competed for Ninh Binh Club in domestic tournaments. Although not severe, this condition forced the player to temporarily stop playing to recover physically.

According to the treatment plan, Hoang Duc will need about half a month of rest, limiting strenuous knee movement, combined with medication and physiotherapy under medical supervision. This means he will temporarily not play in V-League until optimal physical condition is ensured.

Despite facing health issues, Hoang Duc remains a key figure for the Vietnam national team. He is expected to recover soon to continue participating in campaigns defending the ASEAN Cup championship and aiming for upcoming important regional tournaments.

In the match against Malaysia, Hoang Duc left many impressions on the field. One memorable moment occurred at minute 24, when he received the ball over 30 meters from the opponent's goal, handled it neatly, and unleashed a dangerous long-range shot; the ball hit the goal frame and went close to the post, leaving spectators regretful.

The coach and medical team highly praised Hoang Duc's competitive spirit and effort, while recommending balancing international and domestic play to avoid overload. Physical recovery for this star is a top priority, aiming to keep him in the best condition for upcoming title pursuits with the Vietnam national team.