Malaysian media concerned as Xuân Son returns to Vietnam national team

Malaysian media, specifically the Makan Bola site, express worry as striker Xuân Son prepares to rejoin the Vietnam national team ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Site Makan Bola (Malaysia) recently voiced concerns as Vietnam's forward Xuân Son is set to make a comeback at the national team level after a long injury layoff. According to the top sports writer on this site, the return of the Brazil-born player will “inject fresh energy” into Vietnam’s attack, while also forcing Malaysia to be highly alert ahead of their upcoming match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has included Xuân Son in the preliminary squad list for the November training camp. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has also officially sent a call-up letter to his club, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh. All players will gather after the V.League 1 season ends on November 10 and undergo medical checks to ensure peak fitness.

Makan Bola emphasizes that Malaysia has reason to worry. In the past, Xuân Son troubled Southeast Asian defenses during the 2024 AFF Cup before suffering a tibia and fibula fracture in the final match.

That injury sidelined him for nearly six months, causing him to miss most of the V.League 1 season. However, after making his return in the friendly between Nam Dinh and PVF-CAND on October 11, Xuân Son quickly demonstrated impressive recovery in form and fitness.

The site Makan Bola wrote: “Xuân Son’s comeback is unwelcome news for Malaysia. He possesses speed, strength, and versatile finishing skills that Malaysia’s defense previously struggled to handle.” The site suggests that if Xuân Son reaches his peak form, he could become Coach Kim Sang Sik’s “ultimate weapon” in the crucial match against Malaysia next March.

According to the schedule, Vietnam will travel to Vientiane to face Laos on November 18, kicking off a series of important matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. With Xuân Son’s timely return, Malaysian media believe the “Golden Dragons” will be more dangerous than ever.