Xuan Son returns to the Vietnam national team, preparing for the match against the Laos national team

Striker Nguyen Xuan Son (third from left) returns to the Vietnam national team. Photo: VFF

Compared to the last training session, this time the list recorded two new recruits: center back Khong Minh Gia Bao (Ho Chi Minh City Police Club) and striker Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong (Ho Chi Minh City Becamex Club) - new faces that promise to bring a breath of fresh air to the team. In addition, fans also received good news when striker Nguyen Xuan Son returned to the team after nearly a year off to treat an injury.

Khong Minh Gia Bao, born in 2000, is considered a central defender with good tracking and pressing ability, good physical strength and the ability to flexibly use both feet. Growing up from the People's Public Security Club, he played for Phu Dong Ninh Binh, then joined Quang Nam Club and then transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Police in August 2025. Gia Bao played for U20 Vietnam and is considered one of the young defenders with good form in Vietnamese football.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong, born in 2000, is a product of the Becamex Binh Duong training center (formerly). He possesses speed, technique and good finishing ability. In the 2025-2026 season, Viet Cuong will continue to shine in the Becamex Ho Chi Minh City shirt, and is considered by experts to be a "mixed version of Anh Duc and Tien Linh" thanks to his versatile ability to play in the attack. Viet Cuong used to play for U16 Vietnam and U23 Vietnam.

This training session coincides with the key training period of the Vietnam U22 team in preparation for the 33rd SEA Games. Therefore, some outstanding young players who have been present in the national team in previous training sessions will not appear this time. However, coach Kim Sang Sik still maintains the stability of the squad, harmoniously combining experienced pillars and players who are in high form at the club. In addition, the return of Nguyen Xuan Son is also considered a positive signal for the attack. Up to this point, Xuan Son has fully recovered and is ready to return to the national team.

With a stable force and a spirit of determination to seize opportunities, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team aim to win all 3 points against the Laos team, thereby maintaining their advantage in the race for tickets to the 2027 Asian Cup finals.