Vietnam U23 team urgently replaces goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship; VFF responds.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has decided to call up goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai. Meanwhile, the U23 Vietnam coaching staff is closely monitoring the recovery process of striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan ahead of the U23 Asian Championship.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) recently officially announced a significant personnel adjustment for the Vietnam U23 team in the final stages of preparation for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. Following a proposal from head coach Kim Sang Sik, goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai has been called up to strengthen the squad depth, especially in the crucial goalkeeping position ahead of the major continental tournament.

This decision stems from an unavoidable situation where goalkeeper Nguyen Tan unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury during a recent training session. After examination and professional assessment, the team's medical staff determined that Nguyen Tan's injury requires a relatively long treatment period and it is unlikely that he will be in optimal physical condition to enter the demanding schedule of the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. Facing the risk of affecting the overall match schedule, the coaching staff agreed on a timely replacement to ensure the stability of the entire team.

The name chosen by coach Kim Sang Sik is Pham Dinh Hai, a young goalkeeper highly regarded for both his potential and international experience at various youth levels. Dinh Hai has been a member of the Vietnamese U16, U18, and U20 national teams for many years and is considered a familiar face in the youth training system.

Notably, he also trained with the Vietnam U23 team during the preparation for the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, allowing him to quickly adapt to the playing style and tactical requirements of coach Kim Sang Sik. This addition is expected to reassure the coaching staff about the depth of the squad in the goalkeeper position, which plays a particularly important role in short-term tournaments.

Besides facing changes in their defense, the Vietnam U23 team is also closely monitoring the health of striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan. The 2003-born forward is experiencing muscle problems and must follow a separate recovery program under the close supervision of the medical team. Thanh Nhan is considered one of the team's most dynamic attacking options, but his career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.

Previously, Thanh Nhàn missed out on several major tournaments such as the 2023 Asian Cup, the 2024 U23 Asian Championship, and the 2025 ASEAN Cup, leaving many fans disappointed. However, his impact remains significant, especially his decisive goal that helped the Vietnam U22 team win the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. Therefore, his chances of recovering in time to participate in the 2026 U23 Asian Championship are generating much anticipation, as his presence could make a significant difference to the attacking line.

The personnel adjustments and cautious approach to medical care show that coach Kim Sang Sik is meticulously preparing, prioritizing stability and safety for key players. The entire Vietnam U23 team is currently fully focused on achieving a good result right from the first round. According to the schedule, Vietnam U23 will kick off their journey at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship with a match against Jordan U23.

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