Coach Kim Sang-sik receives extremely positive news from Vietnam's top 'running machine'

Defender Vu Van Thanh has officially resumed training with Cong An Hanoi Club after a long period of injury treatment, bringing a positive signal for the team ahead of the upcoming rounds in V.League 2025/26.

After the FIFA Days break in March 2026, Cong An Hanoi Club regrouped to prepare for the match at Hang Day Stadium against SHB Da Nang on April 4. Notably, during the training session on April 2, defender Vu Van Thanh was able to participate in training with his teammates, marking a significant step forward in his recovery process.

Previously, the defender born in 1996 suffered a serious ankle injury in the final stages of the 2024/25 season. Specifically, in the match against Ha Tinh in round 22 on May 9, Van Thanh only played for 29 minutes before being forced to leave the field due to severe pain. This was also the point when his injury worsened, after showing signs in previous matches.

Examination results showed that Van Thanh suffered ligament and meniscus damage, requiring him to undergo surgery for a definitive solution. On September 7, Cong An Hanoi Club confirmed that the defender's ankle surgery was successfully performed in Ho Chi Minh City. However, he faced a recovery period of 6 to 7 months to fully recuperate.

The severe injury prevented Van Thanh from participating in many important national team camps for Vietnam, including matches for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Van Thanh's absence during this period has been considered a significant loss for Cong An Hanoi Club. Coach Alexandre Polking once admitted the team faced many difficulties without one of its key pillars on the right flank.

If he can regain his form in the coming period, Vu Van Thanh fully has the opportunity to return to the Vietnam national team. Coach Kim Sang-sik is likely to consider calling up this defender for important tournaments later this year such as the ASEAN Cup 2026 or FIFA ASEAN Cup, where the national team needs experienced and battle-hardened players like Van Thanh.