Last Friday, SHB Da Nang’s midfielder Tran Anh Khoa flew back to Da Nang after undergoing surgery for multiple knee ligament injuries in Singapore. 

The Chairman of SHB Da Nang Football Club, Mr Bui Xuan Hoa, said that the surgery was successful, but it would be really difficult for Anh Khoa to play football again right now.  He added that the club has spent a total of 800 million VND on Anh Khoa’s surgery and his treatment costs are expected to continue growing.

Midfielder Anh Khoa (left) and Vice Chairman Dung

According to the Singaporean doctors, Khoa’s injury could take at least one year to heal and for him to recover his fitness.  They noted that, however, the speed of his recovery will depend upon his determination during his period of physical therapy.

On the same day, the municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman, Mr Dang Viet Dung, visited Khoa after the midfielder returned to Da Nang and gave him 50 million VND from the city’s budget to help him cover his recovery costs.  He vowed that the local authorities would create favourable conditions for him to return to professional football as soon as possible. 

Anh Khoa was violently kicked on his knee by Song Lam Nghe An’s defender Que Ngoc Hai in a match on 13 September.  As a result, Ngoc Hai was suspended for 6 months by the Viet Nam Football Federation.  He was also fined 15 million VND for his violent tackle, and was asked to pay all Anh Khoa's hospital fees.