HÀ NỘI — Coach Nguyễn Hữu Thắng has called 23 players to be part of his U22 team training camp for a friendly against Argentina on May 14 at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hà Nội.

Among them, Thắng selected 11 players of V.League 1 Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), including strikers Nguyễn Công Phượng and Nguyễn Văn Toàn, midfielder Nguyễn Tuấn Anh, defenders Vũ Văn Thanh and Lê Văn Sơn.

He said HAGL have many U22 players compared with other clubs, and so he had selected them.

“The U22 team convened this time will be prepared for both upcoming friendly matches and the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Malaysia; so selecting HAGL players is normal. They are below 22 years of age and acquired training from a good football institute,” said Thắng.

Tuấn Anh’s summon this time has raised eyebrows among fans and media alike. Is he fit to play?

Tuấn Anh sustained a knee injury when he played for Yokohama club of Japan last year, because of which he couldn’t compete with the Việt Nam senior football team in the AFF Cup last year. Before being called to the U22 team, he had to take rest during the first leg of the ongoing national premier league. However, coach Thắng confirmed that Tuấn Anh has recovered from his injury and can compete in the upcoming match.

“Tuấn Anh has trained well and is showing no signs of injury,” said Thắng.

“I have totally recovered from my injury. I am very glad, as I will get to play with my teammates after a long time,” said Tuấn Anh.

Thắng said the friendly match with Argentina would be a good chance for the Việt Nam team to hone its skills and gain experience for the gold medal hunt in Malaysia SEA Games. — VNS