Title: Esteghlal’s Goalkeeper Decision: A Crucial Deadline Looms Ahead of Key Fixtures
Tehran – As Esteghlal Tehran prepares to return to domestic competitions, the club’s technical staff is facing a pivotal decision regarding its starting goalkeeper, a choice that carries significant weight for the team’s upcoming challenging schedule.
A Packed and Pivotal Schedule
The Blues are set for a demanding period in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Their agenda includes a crucial encounter with Al-Wasl, a tough away fixture against Foolad Khuzestan, and culminates in the highly anticipated capital city derby against Persepolis. While the team is not burdened by Hazfi Cup concerns for now, navigating this trio of matches successfully is paramount for maintaining their competitive standing.
The Goalkeeping Conundrum
The central question for Coach Ricardo Sá Pinto is whether to rely on the experienced Far Abbasi or continue with Antonio Adan between the posts. Positive signals suggest that Abbasi, who has been sidelined, is nearing a return from injury. However, the final decision rests entirely on the assessment of the club’s medical team.
The Friday Verdict
According to reports from within the Esteghlal organization, the medical staff is set to deliver a definitive update to the technical team by Friday. This report will outline the precise timeline for Abbasi’s full recovery and readiness. This deadline will provide Coach Sá Pinto with the clarity needed to finalize his strategy, determining if he can count on Abbasi for the derby or must continue with Adan.
Adan began the season as the definitive first-choice goalkeeper, but a dip in form led to his replacement. He recently returned to the starting lineup due to Abbasi’s injury. The upcoming medical report will thus be instrumental in shaping Esteghlal’s defensive lineup for its most critical matches of the season.