First Division coach delivers disappointing news about Công Phượng

Coach Việt Thắng confirmed that Công Phượng is still unable to come back to the field anytime soon.

Before the match against Thanh Niên TP HCM in the 6th round of the First Division, fans eagerly awaited the return of Công Phượng to the Trường Tươi Đồng Nai lineup. A few days earlier, images of Công Phượng training were shared on the club’s official fanpage with the caption, “Is anyone waiting for captain Nguyễn Công Phượng’s comeback?”

However, in the end, Công Phượng was not included in the registered squad. Although Trường Tươi Đồng Nai impressively won 4-2 to keep pace with league leaders Khacoto Khánh Hòa, Đồng Nai fans' longing for Công Phượng remains unfulfilled.

Regarding the challenges of missing Công Phượng, head coach Việt Thắng expressed: “In the next match, Công Phượng cannot play yet and has not trained with the team. I feel very sorry for him. Since the start of the season, during preparations for the National Cup, Phượng contributed 4 goals in practice matches.

Without Công Phượng, I have to rotate players; Minh Vương is not a striker but has to be pushed forward. I use central midfielders to cover for Phượng. We have 14 injured players and must rotate positions. Fortunately, the team is determined, listens well, and explores their abilities. They play out of their usual positions but still perform well.”

This marks the seventh consecutive match Công Phượng has missed due to injury (6 in the First Division and 1 in the National Cup). The 1995-born striker is not only the main attacking threat but also the soul of Đồng Nai’s offensive play. However, so far this season, his contributions remain at zero.

After one year back playing in Vietnam, fans are eager to see Công Phượng wearing his familiar number 10 jersey again. Previously, in the 2024/2025 season, the former HAGL star wore number 70 when he first played for Trường Tươi Đồng Nai. That number brought success as Công Phượng scored 7 goals in the First Division.