Duy Mạnh writes a heartfelt letter after withdrawing from ASEAN Cup 2026 due to injury

After being ruled out of the ASEAN Cup 2026 with the Vietnam national team, Đỗ Duy Mạnh shared a heartfelt message on his social media account.

Defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh will not be able to accompany the Vietnam national team to the ASEAN Cup 2026 after it was determined that he has not yet met the physical requirements to continue training. This is a significant loss for coach Kim Sang Sik, as Duy Mạnh is one of the most experienced center-backs and often serves as the team captain.

According to the professional assessment of the medical teams of the Vietnam national team and Hanoi FC, Duy Mạnh needs more time to fully recover from the knee injury that recurred just before the squad assembled. Although he was able to return to ball training under the guidance of the medical staff during the final days of the training camp in South Korea, test results showed that the 1996-born center-back has not yet reached optimal physical condition for competition.

Shortly after leaving the team, Duy Mạnh also posted a heartfelt letter on his personal page expressing his regret: "Recently, I have been racing against time hoping to recover in time to join the Vietnam national team for the ASEAN Cup 2026. I have received great care and support from the Federation, the coaching staff, the team's medical team, and Hanoi FC throughout the treatment process. Unfortunately, the injury has not progressed as expected, and I will not be able to accompany the team in the upcoming tournament."

"Although I cannot be on the pitch, I will always watch, cheer, and boost the spirit of my teammates. I hope the whole team will play well and successfully defend the championship at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Vietnam champions. Forever love Vietnam," Duy Mạnh conveyed.

Before Duy Mạnh left the team, coach Kim Sang Sik personally met with him, encouraging him to focus on treatment so he can recover soon and return in future training camps.

This is the second injury case in the defensive line of the Vietnam national team after Lê Ngọc Bảo, forcing the coaching staff to consider calling up additional personnel.

The Vietnam national team has just finished their training camp in South Korea and will head to Thai Nguyen on July 17 to play a friendly against Myanmar on July 18, before traveling to Thailand on July 20 for the ASEAN Cup 2026. Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad will start their campaign against Timor Leste on July 24 at Chonburi Stadium, aiming for a strong start in their journey to defend the regional title.