Hieu Minh has torn his knee ligaments and is awaiting surgery.

Vietnam U23 defender Nguyen Hieu Minh suffered a torn ligament in his right knee during the match against China U23 on the morning of January 21st (Vietnam time).

The disputed situation that led to Xiaoming's injury - Photo: AFC

Around the middle of the first half of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semi-final against China U23, while attempting to challenge an opposing striker near the corner flag, Xiaoming injured his right knee and fell to the ground in pain.

After receiving medical attention, the Vietnamese U23 center-back was unable to stand up and had to be stretchered off the field. He covered his face in disappointment as he was being taken to the hospital in Saudi Arabia by ambulance.

According to initial examination results, Hieu Minh suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. With this type of injury, most professional players require surgery and must be out of action for at least 9 months.

Earlier, Hieu Minh had shown signs of overuse in his right knee, requiring it to be bandaged before the match. With Hieu Minh absent, coach Kim Sang Sik was forced to bring in Duc Anh to fill the position, causing the Vietnam U23 team to lose control of the game and ultimately lose 0-3 in the second half.

Currently, Hieu Minh's injury has been stabilized, and he will continue to be monitored by doctors to determine the next steps. He is expected to return to Vietnam with the U23 team after January 23rd.

Upon returning to Vietnam, Hieu Minh will undergo a consultation with a reputable hospital organized by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to assess his injury before undergoing surgery and developing the best treatment plan. Before the surgery, Hieu Minh will have to wait several days for the fluid buildup in his knee to subside and for the swelling and inflammation to decrease.

Nguyen Hieu Minh, born in 2004 in Hanoi , is a key central defender for PVF-CAND Club and the Vietnam U23 team.

He consistently started for the Vietnam U23 team under coach Kim Sang Sik in 2025, winning the Southeast Asian U23 Championship and the SEA Games 33 gold medal before reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian U23 Championship.

Back to the topic

NGOC LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hieu-minh-dut-day-chang-dau-goi-cho-ngay-phau-thuat-20260121082809254.htm