Vietnam to host Australia in WC qualifier without key players
VOV.VN - Hosts Vietnam will play visiting Australia in their second World Cup qualifier on September 7 without key players, causing a headache for coach Park Hang-seo to complete the lineup for the clash.
Midfielder Dinh Trong’s muscle injury is dealing a big blow to Vietnam’s preparations for the upcoming match against Australia.
Trong was diagnosed with injury recurrence following a CT-MRI scan on September 4, and the 24-year-old player is expected to stay off the pitch for at least three weeks.
Bui Tien Dung, another midfielder, was earlier injured and is now awaiting recovery. Doctors expect Dung will be able to complete his recovery and stay ready for the game on time.
Meanwhile, Duy Manh will be sidelined in the coming match after being given a red card in Vietnam's 1-3 loss to hosts Saudi Arabia two days ago.
Que Ngoc Hai are suffering from muscle strains and now receiving intensive care from doctors.
Without key players in the lineup, coach Park is likely to call up reserve players such as Viet Anh, Tan Tai, Thanh Binh and Van Thiet, but none of them have played for the national squad.
The injury crisis has forced Park to seek players to fill the missing gaps, which may affect the team’s performance but is considered a necessary step for young players to prove themselves.
Australian players arrived in Hanoi on September 4 for second WC 2022 qualifier against hosts Vietnam, The visiting players are in good form after their 3-0 win over rivals China on September 2.
Due to COVID-19, Australia will play Vietnam behind closed doors at My Dinh national stadium in Hanoi and this will put the visiting team at an advantage, according to Australia’s coach Graham Arnold.
