Thanh Hóa suffers a major blow as they lose a key U23 Vietnam star at a crucial moment

Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ, a U23 Vietnam player, will be absent from the Đông Á Thanh Hóa vs Ninh Bình FC clash in V.League round 25.

Đông Á Thanh Hóa will not have their strongest lineup for the away fixture against Ninh Bình FC in round 25 of the 2025/26 V.League. According to the transfer and loan agreement between the two clubs, striker Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ is ineligible to play when Thanh Hóa faces his parent club Ninh Bình.

The absence of the U23 Vietnam international is seen as a significant setback for the Thanh Hóa side at this critical stage of the season. Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ has been one of the most outstanding performers in Thanh Hóa's attack this season, scoring 4 goals and making many key contributions to the overall play. Given the club's ongoing squad difficulties recently, the 2004-born striker has further highlighted his importance.

Currently, Thanh Hóa is not yet completely safe from relegation. After 24 rounds, coach Mai Xuân Hợp's team has 25 points, holding a fairly comfortable gap from the bottom group but still needing more points to avoid any risk. If any of the three teams—Đà Nẵng, Becamex TP.HCM, or HAGL—fails to win this round, Thanh Hóa will officially remain in the V.League regardless of the result against Ninh Bình.

Despite losing Ngọc Mỹ, the Thanh Hóa team also receives positive news regarding squad strength as Nguyễn Bá Tiến, Đoàn Ngọc Hà, and Matias Belli all return from suspensions and injuries. These are considered important additions that give coach Mai Xuân Hợp more options for the upcoming difficult clash against Ninh Bình.

Speaking before the match, coach Mai Xuân Hợp confirmed that the whole team maintains a very high level of determination in the relegation battle: “We haven't officially secured survival yet and are very determined to get at least one more point to guarantee safety. The players and coaching staff are in great spirits and want to give the best for the fans of Thanh Hóa who have followed and supported the team throughout the season. I always tell my players to play so that the people will love us.”

On the other side, Ninh Bình is also entering a period of change, having recently parted ways with technical director Vũ Tiến Thành and appointed coach Chu Đình Nghiêm. The team from the ancient capital has almost no further objectives in the V.League aside from competing for a top-three position, while also aiming for the National Cup. However, against a Thanh Hóa side desperate for points to avoid relegation, the upcoming match promises to be intense and unpredictable.