Title: AFC Champions League Showdown: Esteghlal Forced to Rework Lineup for Pivotal Al-Wasl Encounter
A Crucial Continental Clash
Esteghlal Football Team is set to face the UAE’s Al-Wasl this Wednesday in a highly anticipated match for the fifth week of the AFC Champions League Group Stage. The encounter will take place at the Shahid-e Qods City Stadium, with significant implications for the group standings.
Enforced Adjustments to the Squad
Ahead of this critical fixture, Esteghlal’s manager is compelled to make strategic changes to the starting lineup. The team will be without the services of young winger Alireza Koushki, who is serving a suspension. The suspension, mandated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), results from a red card received in a previous match against Al-Wehdat of Jordan. This ruling sidelines Koushki for three matches, meaning he will also be unavailable for the final group stage game against Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq.
Compounding Absences
Further impacting the team’s composition, Esteghlal will also be missing Malian player Moussa Genepo. The player continues his recovery from an injury and will be absent from the squad for the match against Al-Wasl. These absences present a test of depth and tactical flexibility for the Blues as they prepare for this vital continental challenge.