Midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức (left) of Viettel FC seen in the match with Nam Định in the V.League 1 on Wednesday. — Photo laodong.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — After Viettel FC's 4-0 win against Nam Định, winning coach Bae Ji-won shared his concerns over player injuries as so many represent the national team.

Midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, who won the Vietnamese golden ball award 2021, put in an outstanding performance, scoring twice in the first half.

But he was forced to limp off the field after 40 minutes when he picked up a knee injury.

“We will announce the extent of Đức's injury soon after we consulted with doctors,” coach Bae said.

When asked about the player's fitness problems, the coach said: "I think it is not only Viettel's problem. Hà Nội FC or Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) are the same. They all have many players at the national team.

"That is a normal thing in football. For us, it's the pride of the club and the players themselves. Doing national tasks is a noble thing. The players will know how to adapt and do everything in the best way and regulate their fitness."

The South Korean coach was also satisfied with the spirit of Viettel FC, bouncing back after being knocked out of the National Cup.

Đức is among 31 players called to the national team to prepare for the upcoming international friendly tournament which will take place on September 21-27 at the Thống Nhất Stadium.

Đức’s injury is bad news for the Vietnamese team. He is unlikely to join the national team in HCM City on September 17, where they will have four days to prepare for the friendly tournament which will be a warm-up for the AFF Cup 2022.

Recently, Đức played a key role in the midfield alongside Đỗ Hùng Dũng and Nguyễn Tuấn Anh. Đức is an important player in coach Park Hang-seo's tactics as a key playmaker.

Meanwhile, coach Vũ Hồng Việt of Nam Định said: “Losing the match, I feel very sad, but the players still have many positive points, trying to maintain a short and small way of playing.

“For me, meeting any opponent is a challenge for myself and my team. My team is in a difficult situation. But all will always unite for the collective and strive for the goal this season. I am confident that Nam Định will successfully stay in the league."

With this loss, Nam Định dropped to 10th place, while Viettel rose to the fourth place. After the matches of V.League 1 on Wednesday, the domestic tournaments will take a break, making room for the national team to train and compete. VNS