Nguyen Thanh Nhan sustained an injury after an awkward landing during a training session on the evening of 16/7 in Bekasi. On the morning of 17/7, the U23 Vietnam striker was taken to a hospital for examination. An MRI scan revealed damage to his left ankle ligaments, ruling him out of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship.

Striker Thanh Nhan was injured on the evening of 16/7 at the Bekasi training ground and will miss the 2025 AFF U23 Championship. Photo: Doan Huynh

Striker Thanh Nhan was injured on the evening of 16/7 at the Bekasi training ground and will miss the 2025 AFF U23 Championship. Photo: Doan Huynh

This is not the first time the young striker has missed important matches and tournaments due to injury. He was previously sidelined during the 2023 Asian Cup, unable to compete in the bronze medal match at the 32nd SEA Games, and most recently missed the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

Hailing from Tay Ninh, Nhan developed his skills at the PVF academy and currently plays for PVF-CAND in the V.League 2. Known for his tireless running and high-speed sprints, the 22-year-old was the top scorer in V.League 2 in 2022 and 2023, and won a bronze medal at the 2023 SEA Games.

To bolster his squad, coach Kim Sang-sik recalled versatile midfielder Le Van Thuan. The South Korean coach expressed his disappointment at Nhan's injury and encouraged him to focus on recovery.

Born in 2006, Le Van Thuan is a promising young player from the Dong A Thanh Hoa academy. During the 2024-2025 season, Thuan was promoted to the first team, competing in the V.League 1. With 16 appearances, 4 goals, and 2 assists, he was awarded the V.League 1 Young Player of the Year.

Besides Thuan, Vietnam's remaining attacking options are Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Quoc Viet, and Nguyen Ngoc My.

Vietnam will play their opening match against Laos on 19/7.

Duc Dong