Midfielder Tran Huu Dong Trieu. — Photo bongdaplus

HCM CITY (VNS)  — Hoang Anh Gia Lai's injured midfielder Tran Huu Dong Trieu did not play against Dong Tam Long An in the Toyota V.League 1 on Sunday and will remain out of action.

Trieu played at first but was replaced 15 minutes later, as he was not strong enough to compete in the high-stakes game.

Trieu had suffered a thigh injury last October during an international U21 event in HCM City.

His substitute Bui Van Long also did not play well yesterday, with his mistakes resulting in Hoang Anh Gia Lai's 1-2 defeat.

Doctors have said that Trieu will not be able to play anytime soon.

Apart from Trieu, Coach Guillaume Graechen is also worried about foreign midfielder Mtija Morec, who is suspected to have contracted a heart disease.

The Slovenian had displayed an outstanding performance during the first round match last week, but was not part of the team in Long An yesterday.

Graechen said Morec was currently in HCM City for an intensive check-up. The team will take a final decision about his presence in the team after seeing the test results. — VNS