The news is particularly disappointing for Cong Phuong, who had just returned to the national squad after more than a year of absence. He had shown strong form with Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc FC in the National First Division, making his comeback all the more promising.

According to the VFF, Cong Phuong had only been with the national team for two days when his old injury flared up again during training on June 2.

Without Cong Phuong, head coach Kim Sang Sik has called up young striker Nguyen Quoc Viet as a replacement. Currently training with the Vietnam U22 team, Quoc Viet has been recognised for his rapid development and consistent performances, making him a fitting choice to step into the senior team.

Born in 2003, Viet is one of the most promising young strikers in Vietnamese football. He has played at all youth levels in the U19s, U20s, and U23s, and also joined the Vietnam Olympic team to participate in regional and continental competitions over the past three years.

On June 4, the national team will compete internally against the U22 team to test the squad’s new players before flying to Malaysia for a match in the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup against the host team, slated for June 10.

Cong Phuong likely to return home after departing Yokohama FC

VOV.VN - Vietnamese striker Nguyen Cong Phuong has confirmed that he has ended his contract with Japanese side Yokohama FC after two years of playing for the J2 League club.