Title: Uzbek Coach Confirms Esteghlal Star’s Imminent Return, Boosting Team Hopes
A Final Decided from the Spot
In the final of the Al Ain Tournament, the Iranian national team was defeated by Uzbekistan in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regular and extra time. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Team Melli, under coach Amir Ghalenoei, could not break the deadlock. Ultimately, it was Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbek squad that held its nerve from the penalty spot to claim the championship trophy.
Cannavaro’s Key Update on Masharipov
The post-match press conference shifted focus from the final result to a significant piece of news for Iranian club Esteghlal. Uzbekistan’s head coach, Fabio Cannavaro, provided a crucial update on the status of Jalaloddin Masharipov, the team’s influential playmaker who is a key star for Esteghlal in Iran’s domestic league.
“We spoke with Masharipov,” Cannavaro stated. “He has started running and was almost ready for this tournament. I hope he will be with the team for the March camp.” The Italian coach also contextualized the player’s absence, noting, “At the start of the camp, we were missing nine players, and then three more got injured; these things are normal in national teams.”
A Boost for Club and Country
Cannavaro’s comments underscore the special regard in which the Uzbek coach holds Masharipov and signal that his return to competitive action is imminent. This development is of paramount importance to his club side, Esteghlal Tehran.
Masharipov had been sidelined since the pre-season with a knee ligament injury. Opting for a conservative treatment plan instead of surgery, the midfielder has spent months in specialized individual training. His recent return to group training with Esteghlal has ignited optimism that he will soon be reintegrated into the starting lineup.
Strategic Advantage for Esteghlal
Esteghlal is now hopeful that the creative midfielder will be available for the second half of the season. The team’s performance, particularly in major matches, stands to gain significantly from the return of a technical and playmaking asset like Masharipov.
In a further positive turn for the club, the activation of an “injured foreign player quota” following the official registration of Zilfikar’s injury provides Esteghlal with an opportunity to add a free agent to their roster. This exceptional circumstance could work decisively in the club’s favor, potentially smoothing the path for Masharipov’s official reinclusion in the team.