Midfielder Lương Xuân Trường (right) trains at the PFV Training Centre. He is expected to return to the pitch in June. — Photo pvf.com.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — Hoàng Anh Gia Lai head coach Lee Tae-hoon believes the return of star midfielder Lương Xuân Trường to his team will give the V.League 1 side a huge boost.

Trường suffered a torn ligament in late September 2019. After surgery, doctors said he needed at least nine months before returning to play.

The national team regular has recovered quickly and will be ready for action in June.

“I can't talk in detail about my injury. But I am recovering well. I can play with the ball and do some exercises with it,” said Trường who is being treated at the PFV Football Training Centre in Hưng Yên Province.

“I hope I can play matches in the next two months,” he added.

Coach Lee was pleased with the news.

He said the absence of the midfielder created difficulties for Hoàng Anh Gia Lai in preparation for the 2020 season and his return would strengthen the side in the middle of the park.

However, the South Korean manager said he would be patient with Trường and would wait until his player is really mentally and physically ready before selecting.

It is expected that Trường will return to Hàm Rồng Centre in Pleiku City in late May.

Hoàng Anh Gia Lai are currently third in the table with four points after two matches.

Among V.League 1 teams, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai are one of three clubs keeping their players at their facility amid COVID-19 social distancing.

The Việt Nam Professional Football Company (PVF) recently announced football may return in mid-May, with National Cup matches on May 15 and the V.League 1 starting back up a week later.

After the announcement, clubs have started preparations.

In Nam Định, DNH Nam Định players have had their first training sessions.

“During the social distancing, players kept training so their physique is not a problem. We are now back in intensive practice awaiting the match date. The only matter is that the coaching staff have to make sure the players reach their peak for the games,” said coach Nguyễn Văn Sỹ.

Meanwhile, coach Trương Việt Hoàng of Viettel was pleased with his players who kept fit well in nearly a month at home.

Sông Lam Nghệ An players keep working during the social distancing. — Photo baonghean,vn

Sông Lam Nghệ An players are also training at their facility.

“My players have had one practice session per day since social distancing. There is no problem with us. We are now waiting for the final decision from the Government to allow sporting events and the organising plan from the VPF,” said Hồ Văn Chiêm, Sông Lam Nghệ An executive director.

Quảng Nam did  training yesterday but without some key players who could only return in the next three weeks.

HCM City will travel to Vũng Tàu for a 10-day intensive training camp on Monday, while defending champions Hà Nội, Quảng Ninh and Sài Gòn have yet to announce plans. — VNS