Đỗ Duy Mạnh of Hà Nội FC was injured in the Super Cup match on Sunday. — Photo news.zing.vn

HÀ NỘI — Defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh of Hà Nội FC on Monday expressed his regret after suffering a serious knee ligament injury in his side's National Super Cup win on Sunday, likely ruling him out for the majority of the domestic season and key national team fixtures.

On his Facebook page, Mạnh said: "Is my leg hurt? Yes. Am I sad because of injury? Yes. Unfortunate for me, however, I will accept it and I will overcome difficulties and hardships."

The young player also sent his thanks to fans who support him and promised to return soon.

Mạnh was injured in the fifth minute of the capital side's 2-1 win over HCM City FC in the Super Cup held at Thống Nhất Stadium. He will face surgery soon and likely be out of action for 6-9 months.

“I am very sad as Mạnh is in good form. Football is very grim when a footballer gets ab injury like that,” said coach Chu Đình Nghiêm.

The injury to Mạnh is a blow for his club side and the national team, as he will certainly be unable to play in the World Cup qualifier against Malaysia on March 31 and will likely miss Việt Nam's AFF Cup defence at the end of the year.

Losing the 24-year-old is the latest blow to South Korean coach Park Hang-seo's Việt Nam defence, with stalwarts Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng and Trần Đình Trọng already suspended for the Malaysia match. — VNS