Title: Esteghlal’s Asian Campaign Suffers Blow with Key Defensive Absence
Injury Sidelines Veteran Defender
Tehran – Esteghlal’s preparations for a critical period of domestic and continental fixtures have been dealt a significant setback with the confirmed absence of defender Saleh Hardani. The key player sustained a back injury during the team’s recent match and has subsequently been forced to withdraw from the national team camp.
Recovery Timeline Rules Out Key Matches
Medical professionals have advised a mandatory period of rest for Hardani, who has already begun his treatment regimen. According to the prescribed recovery plan, the defender must avoid high-intensity athletic activity for at least two weeks to ensure a full recovery. This timeline definitively rules him out of Esteghlal’s upcoming league match against Mes Rafsanjan this Friday, as he is also unable to participate in current group training sessions.
Major Concern for Asian Champions League
The injury presents a more substantial strategic challenge for the club’s ambitions in the AFC Champions League. It is highly probable that the experienced right-back will also miss the crucial third group stage match against Jordan’s Al-Wehdat. This important continental encounter is scheduled to take place in the city of Qods. Even if Hardani shows signs of improvement by that date, his extended absence from collective training sessions makes him unavailable for selection, leaving a notable gap in the team’s defensive lineup for a pivotal Asian contest.