Surprise twist leaves Vietnamese women's national team's 'hot girl' sidelined from ASIAD 20.

The Vietnamese women's national team faces a significant setback as defender Tran Thi Duyen picks up a serious injury and misses ASIAD 20.

The Vietnamese women's national team was dealt disappointing news just before ASIAD 20, with defender Tran Thi Duyen picking up a severe injury that will keep her out of the continental event. This represents a major setback for head coach Hoang Van Phuc as he finalizes his roster for the tournament scheduled for this September in Japan.

Based on the most recent updates, Tran Thi Duyen tore a ligament in her knee following a game for Phong Phu Ha Nam in the 2026 National Women's League. The full-back will require surgery and an extended rehabilitation period, effectively ruling her out of the Vietnamese women's team's campaign at ASIAD 20.

Commenting on his player's situation, head coach Hoang Van Phuc voiced his disappointment: "This injury is a great pity for Duyen, her club, and the Vietnamese women's national team. No one wants injuries, but we will need to come up with a substitute." Losing an experienced right-back is bound to disrupt the coaching staff's strategic plans.

This marks the second time in Tran Thi Duyen's career that she has encountered a severe knee injury. Back in 2019, the Ha Nam-born defender spent nearly nine months undergoing treatment and rehabilitation before making her comeback. Through sheer willpower and resilience, she managed to return to top form, earning a recall to the national squad and competing at the 2023 ASIAD 19.

Tran Thi Duyen has been one of the most notable figures in Vietnamese women's football in recent years. Operating as a right-back, she has won the hearts of fans not just for her professional ability but also for her standout looks, earning her the nickname "football field hot girl". The omission of the 2000-born player will deprive the Vietnamese women's backline of a quality asset heading into the big tournament.

As scheduled, the Vietnamese women's national team will assemble in Hanoi starting August 7 to gear up for ASIAD 20. The competition is set to be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, with the women's football event kicking off on September 14. Coach Hoang Van Phuc's squad has been drawn into Group A together with hosts Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. With Tran Thi Duyen sidelined because of her injury, the coaching staff will soon look for a suitable substitute in order to achieve their objective of progressing beyond the group phase.