(VOVWORLD) - Striker Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) successfully underwent a surgery on Monday evening at Vinmec Hospital in Hanoi after sustaining a serious injury during the 2024 ASEAN Cup final between Vietnam and Thailand.
 Striker Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) has successfully undergone surgery at Vinmec Hospital in Hanoi. (Photo: Nam Dinh FC) |
Ultrasound and X-ray results revealed that the injury was more serious than initially diagnosed. During the 90 minute long surgery, doctors utilized a minimally invasive intramedullary nailing technique to fix the bones, minimizing soft tissue damage and ensuring a quicker recovery.
He will start practicing mobility using crutches or a wheelchair and train with specialized equipment at the Vinmec Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. Professionals said the striker is expected to need several months before returning to the field.
The injury will also cause him to miss the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled from March 25, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Before the injury, Xuan Son had delivered an outstanding performance in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, scoring 7 goals and playing a key role in Vietnam’s championship victory. The Nam Dinh FC star is expected to be a key figure for Vietnam in major future competitions.