Title: Key Absences Present Challenge for Esteghlal in Crucial Asian Championship Match
Tehran – Esteghlal Football Club is set to face a significant test in the Asian Champions League as they prepare to host the UAE’s Al Wasl this Wednesday. The pivotal group stage match, to be held at the Shahid-e Shahr-e Qods Stadium, will see the Blues navigating the absence of two key players.
Squad Setbacks
The team will be without the services of young winger Alireza Koushki, who is serving a suspension issued by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The suspension, resulting from a red card in a previous match, will also see him miss the final group stage game.
Compounding the selection challenges, Malian midfielder Moussa Koné remains sidelined due to a persistent injury and has been ruled out of the upcoming fixture.
Returning Boost
In more positive news for the capital city club, defenders Habib Far Abbasi and Rouzbeh Cheshmi are set to return. Having recovered from their respective injuries, which kept them out of recent matches, both players are now fully available for selection and are expected to bolster the squad for this important encounter.
The match represents a critical juncture in Esteghlal’s campaign as they compete in the fifth week of the group stage, aiming to secure a strong position for advancement in the prestigious tournament.