Ninh Bình's key midfielder suffers a severe injury, delivering bad news to coach Kim Sang Sik.

Midfielder Châu Ngọc Quang from Ninh Bình Club suffered a severe injury just before the Vietnam national team assembled to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Châu Ngọc Quang tore a ligament, missing this season.

During the 2-2 draw between Ninh Bình and Hải Phòng at Lạch Tray Stadium on the evening of September 28, Ngọc Quang played only 15 minutes before leaving the pitch due to pain. Remarkably, he had no contact with any opponent. Tests showed that the 1996-born player tore the ligament in his right knee. He is set for surgery on October 2 and will need 6 to 8 months for recovery, meaning the 2025/26 season is nearly over for him. Ngọc Quang will also definitely be absent from the Vietnam national team throughout the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.