Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son softly sang the Vietnamese national anthem after regaining consciousness following successful surgery on his fractured leg on Monday evening.
His severe injury, involving fractures in his right tibia and fibula, occurred during the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship’s final, where Vietnam triumphed 3-1 over hosts Thailand on Sunday night.
After receiving initial treatment in Thailand, the Brazilian-born player was transferred to Vinmec International Hospital in Hanoi, a FIFA-accredited sports medicine center, for surgery.
The procedure, led by Professor Tran Trung Dung, lasted nearly 90 minutes on Monday evening.
Doctors revealed that his injury was more severe than initially assessed, with two major bone fragments measuring 7cm and 3cm.
To ensure precise alignment and early recovery, surgeons used an intramedullary nailing technique under C-arm X-ray guidance.
After the operation, Son was able to wiggle his toes and speak with family members.
In a video shared by his wife, Marcele Seippel, his first words in Vietnamese were lyrics from Vietnam's national anthem.
Leaders and coaching staff from his club, Nam Dinh FC, visited him to offer support.
Club chairman Nguyen Van Thien praised Son’s dedication to Vietnam’s national football team.
“He has given his all for Vietnam and deserves to be honored," Thien said.
“We’re looking forward to his return to the national squad.”
Head coach Vu Hong Viet and technical director Nguyen Trung Kien encouraged Son to focus on recovery, avoid gaining weight, and steer clear of his favorite foods like phở and banana fritters.
“No way, phở and banana fritters taste so good,” Son humorously replied.
According to Prof. Dung, Son was expected to begin light physical therapy, including walking with crutches on Tuesday.
However, full recovery and a return to professional football could take at least eight months, depending on rehabilitation progress.
In the 2024 ASEAN Championship, Son made five appearances, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
He won both the Top Goal Scorer and MVP titles, playing a crucial role in Vietnam’s tournament victory, including a 5-3 aggregate win over Thailand in the two-legged final.
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