Five members of Viet Nam’s Under 23 football team have been injured as the squad suffers at altitude.

Thanh Binh (blue) is suffering from minor injuries.

Having arrived in Kunming China on September 16^th the squad has been based at a sports centre over 1,600m above sea level. However, coach Henrique Calisto insists players will recover quickly.

The 10-day training trip has seen taskmaster Calisto force players to undergo lungbusting regimes as two daily exercise sessions are both increased from one hour to two.

Besides the fitness programme Calisto has also divided the team into small groups, working with coaches Huynh Duc and Van Sy on both defence and attack.

But it hasn’t been all work for the young stars, on September 19 the team had a free day with many taking the opportunity to explore the area and shop for souvenirs.

But it’s been the training regime and the thin air that is being blamed for the injuries. In the most recent session five players were forced to withdraw including Manh Dung, Cong Minh, Dac Khanh, Thanh Binh and Ngoc Anh.

Calisto has refused to worry, saying that injuries are no real cause for concern at this stage and that players would enjoy quick recoveries.

In the meantime the team will maintain two training sessions a day in Kunming.

VietNamNet/VNE