Vietnam national team manager Kim Sang-sik must reshape his lineup for an upcoming fixture after four players returned to Ho Chi Minh City Police FC following November FIFA Days training.
The national side recently secured a 2-0 victory against Taiwan, utilizing several athletes from the police club before their simultaneous departure. Goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik, midfielder Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, and forward Olaha Manh Duc all featured in the starting lineup for that match, according to reporting by vietnam.vn.
Central defender Nguyen Nhat Minh also joined the national squad for the training camp but did not appear in the opening victory. All four players traveled back to their club ahead of a Shopee Cup match against Buriram United scheduled for November 18.
The sudden departure of three key starters leaves technical decisions for the upcoming match against Kyrgyzstan on November 17. Manager Kim retains enough depth within the wider roster to assemble a competitive team without relying exclusively on departing individuals.
Goalkeeping duties offer immediate stability. Tran Trung Kien of HAGL and Nguyen Van Viet of The Cong Viettel provide reliable alternatives to replace Patrik between the posts.
Replacing Quoc Cuong in midfield presents a more complex challenge after his 90-minute debut performance against Taiwan. Vo Hoang Minh Khoa of Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC stands as the most experienced remaining candidate for a starting role.
Alternatively, Nguyen Quang Vinh of SLNA offers strong defensive qualities in contrast to more technically minded midfielders like Hoang Vinh Nguyen or Le Quoc Nhat Nam. Kyrgyzstan poses a harder test than Taiwan, requiring disciplined defensive tackling in the center of the pitch.
Up front, Manh Duc's departure removes a newly naturalized forward who scored during the international window. Nguyen Van Tung of Hanoi FC provides a direct replacement at center forward. Moving Nguyen Dinh Bac into a central role remains another viable tactical route while assigning the left wing to fresh options such as Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong, or Khuat Van Khang.
The national team continues preparations to face Kyrgyzstan on November 17. Supporters can watch the match broadcast live on FPT Play.
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