Indonesian media speak out as Văn Hậu faces risk of missing the Malaysia match

Indonesian media are closely monitoring Đoàn Văn Hậu’s injury status ahead of Vietnam’s decisive match versus Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying round scheduled for March 31.

CAHN recently achieved a pivotal victory over Ninh Bình FC to claim the top spot in the V.League standings. The police-affiliated team made a comeback to secure all 3 points, rising to first place with 29 points, two points ahead of their closest rival despite having played one less match. However, the joy of victory was marred when Văn Hậu had to leave the field early due to injury in the 56th minute.

Images of Văn Hậu lying on the ground in pain and then being stretchered off caused concern among Vietnamese fans, while Indonesian press quickly reported extensively with a noticeably concerned tone. The Superball site emphasized that: “Đoàn Văn Hậu faces the possibility of delaying his hoped-for return to the Vietnam national team after more than two years away.” 

In its article, Superball also vividly described the injury moment: “Văn Hậu was unable to continue playing and had to be carried off on a stretcher after receiving medical attention.” 

Although he had to leave the game early, Văn Hậu still managed to make a significant professional impact before his injury. In the 32nd minute, he contested an aerial ball causing a Ninh Bình player to handle the ball inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for CAHN after the referee consulted VAR. Alan then successfully converted the penalty to make it 2-1. At 45+2 minutes, Văn Hậu delivered a cross from the left flank for Alan to score, giving CAHN a 3-1 lead going into halftime.

The Indonesian media also highlighted the “irony” that this was only Văn Hậu’s third official match since returning after more than two years of long-term injury treatment. Previously, the 1999-born defender had suffered multiple issues with his knee and right heel, causing a lengthy career interruption. The recurrence of injury just as he was regaining match rhythm raises a significant risk that he may need additional recovery time.

This situation not only affects CAHN during the critical phase of the season but also creates a difficult personnel challenge for the Vietnam national team. The match against Malaysia on March 31 is considered an “early final” in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, crucial for securing a spot in the final tournament in Saudi Arabia. If Văn Hậu cannot recover in time, coach Kim Sang-sik will have to consider alternative options for the left flank, a position vital to the team’s tactical system.

Moreover, Indonesian media have raised concerns about the possibility that Văn Hậu might miss the 2026 ASEAN Cup in July, a tournament where Vietnam aims to defend its title. Indonesia is also in Group A with Vietnam, so all information about the opponent’s squad is closely followed.

However, post-match observations have somewhat eased those worries. Văn Hậu was able to walk normally without bandaging and even joined his teammates on the field to celebrate CAHN’s victory. This offers hope that his injury might not be as serious as initially feared, although an official medical assessment is still awaited.