I feel sorry for Cong Phuong.

Expected to be a breath of fresh air for the attack, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong has had to say goodbye to the Vietnamese national team due to injury.

Cong Phuong misses out again due to injury. Photo: Tam Minh .

When the Vietnamese national team's squad for the match against Malaysia was announced, many fans had high expectations for the return of Cong Phuong. With his proven class, experience, and composure, and his current good form, the striker born in 1995 was seen as an option for coach Kim Sang-sik to patch up the team's lackluster attack.

Yet, just a few days later, Cong Phuong had to leave the national team due to a plantar fascia injury. Cong Phuong, once again, had to stop before he even had a chance to begin. Cong Phuong may no longer be at his peak, that's true. But in the context of injuries to Xuan Son, Van Toan, and Vi Hao, or Tien Linh's declining form, Cong Phuong's name still provides a certain emotional anchor. He may not be a starter, but he always has the ability to create breakthroughs when the team needs to change the course of the game.

It's a pity for Cong Phuong, because this isn't the first time he's missed out on playing for the national team due to unforeseen circumstances. In 2015, Cong Phuong broke his hand during a training session with the Vietnam U23 team. In 2016, he broke his shoulder again during a match at the AFC U23 Asian Championship. This was the first time Cong Phuong had to leave the field in tears.

Fans express regret as Cong Phuong bids farewell to the Vietnamese national team. Photo: Phuong Thuy.

Every time Công Phượng starts to make an impact, he faces health problems. In 2020, the striker from Nghệ An broke his toe. Then, in 2022, Công Phượng suffered a groin injury while in top form at HAGL. Joining Yokohama FC, Công Phượng simultaneously suffered ankle and calf injuries, meaning he was only remembered for... not playing for the entire season. Earlier this year, the former HAGL star suffered a thigh muscle injury while playing for Bình Phước. Now, having just returned and been named to the national team, Công Phượng has once again suffered an injury.

For many players, injuries are part of the job. But for Cong Phuong, a highly anticipated talent with a technical and dynamic playing style, each injury is like a scissor blow that shortens his career. He's not the type of player who relies on physique or strength. Cong Phuong's performance is always accompanied by his ball control, agility, and confidence—things that can disappear after just a few weeks on the sidelines.

Once an inspiration to an entire generation after the 2013 Southeast Asian U19 Championship, Cong Phuong has now quietly bid farewell to the Vietnamese national team during this training camp. No fanfare, no statements, just a name removed from the list, as has happened several times in the past.

People often ask, "What else does Cong Phuong have to contribute?", but perhaps the real question is: "When will Cong Phuong be healthy enough to contribute fully?". A full 90-minute match, an uninterrupted journey with the national team, an unfulfilled expectation – fans are still waiting, as they have waited for a very long time.

Source: https://znews.vn/buon-cho-cong-phuong-post1558101.html