After successful surgery, Xuan Son is in the process of rehabilitation. The 27-year-old striker is expected to return to the field after 9 months, which means he will still be able to participate in the 33rd SEA Games at the end of the year once the regional sports festival's organizing committee allows teams to use 2 older players. After regaining the ASEAN Cup championship, coach Kim Sang Sik's next important goal is to win the SEA Games gold medal, along with the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup in 2025.

After ASEAN Cup 2024, Vietnamese football aims for SEA Games 2025. Photo: SN

At the 33rd SEA Games taking place at the end of the year in Thailand, the Korean strategist said he wanted to have the strongest squad, so he would have to "look at the legs" of the players in the upcoming V-League to recruit soldiers. When asked about whether he would call Xuan Son to attend the 33rd SEA Games or not, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "I really hope Xuan Son will return soon. Having Xuan Son is a good choice, creating balance for the team. I think competition with regional opponents, the addition of naturalized players like Xuan Son is worth considering to increase the strength of the team. But we do not only depend on those players, but also need to nurture young players. I also think that competition between domestic and foreign players will make the team even stronger."

Will Xuan Son be able to attend the SEA Games? Photo: SN

Meanwhile, VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu said that it is too early to discuss whether Xuan Son will participate in the 33rd SEA Games or not, because this player is being treated for an injury. Most importantly, the plan of coach Kim Sang Sik as well as the SEA Games Organizing Committee will allow older players to participate or not. In the most recent SEA Games, the Organizing Committee stipulated that the age limit for teams is under 22. In the case that the Organizing Committee allows each team to use 2 older players, whether Xuan Son will participate in the SEA Games or not is creating controversy in public opinion. Many opinions say that this is a tournament for young players, so VFF and coach Kim Sang Sik should only use domestic players. Xuan Son is reserved for the big goals of the national team. However, many opinions also support Xuan Son being called to participate in the SEA Games in the context that Vietnamese football needs achievements and opponents such as Indonesia, the Philippines... also use many naturalized players.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tranh-cai-nguyen-xuan-son-du-sea-games-2362330.html