Vietnamese Overseas U23 Player Injured on V-League Return Day

Vietnamese overseas midfielder Viktor Lê unfortunately sustained a muscle injury on his V-League return day, leading Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh to drop a crucial home win.

The comeback of Vietnamese overseas midfielder Viktor Lê after the U23 Asian Championship campaign was eagerly awaited by Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh fans as a major boost for the second half of the V-League season. However, that hope was quickly overshadowed when the player wearing number 14 suffered a muscle injury during his return match, forcing the mountain team to accept a disappointing goalless draw against Becamex TP.HCM in round 12.

Fresh from winning the Asian Bronze Medal with U23 Vietnam, Viktor Lê was immediately trusted by coach Nguyễn Công Mạnh to start. The 2003-born Vietnamese overseas midfielder quickly found his rhythm, constantly moving widely, fiercely contesting, and playing a key role in controlling the midfield for the home team. Viktor Lê’s energetic and aggressive style helped Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh dominate the first half, applying significant pressure on the opponent’s goal.

However, bad luck struck the young player. In the 40th minute, Viktor Lê suddenly clutched his thigh after a sprint, showing signs of a muscle injury. Despite his efforts to finish the first half, the Vietnamese overseas midfielder was unable to continue into the second half. The coaching staff had to make a cautious decision to substitute him to prevent further injury, replacing him with foreign player Joao Pereira Albertine.

Viktor Lê’s absence immediately left a noticeable gap in Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh’s midfield. Although the home team maintained control of the game, their attacks lacked the necessary creativity and breakthrough. Chances slipped away amid the front line’s misfortune, while Becamex TP.HCM defended tightly and held firm until the final whistle.

The 0-0 draw not only caused Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh to miss out on three home pointsbut also raised concerns about Viktor Lê’s fitness. As the season enters its crucial phase, the midfielder’s injury is clearly an unwanted situation for coach Nguyễn Công Mạnh, especially since he is considered a vital part of the mountain team’s playing style.