Vietnam's Vinh on comeback trail

01-Oct-2010

Star striker Le Cong Vinh, whose goal handed Vietnam the AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time two years ago, is set to resume training with the national team after knee surgery.

Vinh will begin light training on Sunday, October 10 giving him two months to prepare for the AFF Suzuki Cup, according to media reports in Vietnam.

Holders Vietnam will play three-time champions Singapore, Myanmar and the runners-up from the qualifying tournament in Group B of the AFF Suzuki Cup in Hanoi from December 1-8.

The striker recently returned to Vietnam from Portugal after undergoing an operation on torn ligaments in his knee.

Reports indicated that it could take anywhere between three and five months for Vinh to regain full fitness putting his participation in the AFF Suzuki Cup in doubt.

Vietnam fans will be delighted by the news that Vinh is to start on the comeback trail although it has been made clear that he will not be involved in the team's friendlies against India in Pune on October 8 and Kuwait on October 12.

Vinh was feted by the football-mad nation after scoring the late equaliser against Thailand in the second leg of the final in Hanoi two years that saw Vietnam win 3-2 on aggregate.

After the tournament, he became the first Vietnamese player to compete in a top European league when he was loaned to Portuguese side Leixoes SC for four months.