Title: Tehran Derby in the Balance: Key Foreign Players Face Fitness Race
Tehran Clubs Navigate Asian Commitments and Domestic Pause
The Iranian football scene is currently on a brief hiatus due to the FIFA international break, with Tehran’s premier clubs, Esteghlal and Persepolis, reflecting on their recent performances. Esteghlal concluded its pre-break schedule with a crucial AFC Champions League match against Al-Wehdat of Jordan, a fixture where the Blues dropped two valuable points in their quest to advance from the group stages, though their hopes for progression remain alive. Meanwhile, their scheduled league match against Sepahan was postponed, granting Esteghlal a 16-day gap without a competitive match. Their next challenge is against Padideh Khalkhal in the Hazfi Cup round of 32.
Their city rivals, Persepolis, who are not participating in the current Asian competitions, ended their pre-break schedule with a decisive 3-0 victory over Esteghlal Khuzestan in the Persian Gulf Pro League. The Reds will resume their campaign after the break with a Hazfi Cup match against Tractor in Tabriz. A common thread linking the recent matches of both clubs has been injury concerns for their key foreign stars.
Esteghlal’s Morale Boost: El Hadadi’s Fitness Confirmed
Contrary to initial speculation, Esteghlal has received positive news regarding their star player, Morad El Hadadi. The in-form midfielder, who has been a pivotal figure for the Blues, was substituted in the 73rd minute against Al-Wehdat, leading to rumors of a serious hamstring injury that would sideline him for several weeks, including the upcoming Tehran derby.
However, follow-up reports confirm that the initial concerns were unfounded. El Hadadi did not sustain a hamstring injury but was taken off as a precaution to avoid aggravating a minor issue. After undergoing recovery, he faces no significant obstacles to his participation for the remainder of the season. While El Hadadi has traveled abroad during the training break, he is expected to return to Tehran this week and rejoin the squad. There is even a possibility he could be available for the cup match against Padideh, though he will likely be rested for that fixture given the congested schedule ahead.
Persepolis’s Concern: Bakic’s Injury Casts a Shadow
In contrast, Persepolis faces a more uncertain situation with their Montenegrin midfielder, Marko Bakic. The technically gifted player, considered the heartbeat of the Reds’ midfield, suffered an injury early in the match against Esteghlal Khuzestan and was substituted in the 32nd minute.
The situation has developed gravely for Bakic. Not only has his injury forced him to miss a call-up to the Montenegrin national team, but his immediate club future is also in doubt. While the Persepolis medical committee has yet to issue a final statement, reports indicate that Bakic has suffered a tear in his quadriceps muscle. This type of injury is expected to keep him sidelined for approximately one month.
Consequently, Bakic will definitively miss the upcoming matches against Tractor and Shams Azar Qazvin. His availability for the highly anticipated Tehran derby now hangs in the balance, presenting a significant challenge for the Persepolis lineup.