Title: Injury to Key Player Casts Shadow Over Esteghlal’s Crucial Derby
TEHRAN – Esteghlal FC’s preparations for the upcoming Tehran derby have been complicated by an injury to their high-profile Moroccan winger, Munir El Haddadi, raising questions about the team’s lineup for one of the most critical matches of the season.
A Setback for Club and Player
The experienced forward, who has previously played for European giants like Barcelona and Sevilla, sustained a groin injury during Esteghlal’s recent Asian fixtures against Al-Wehdat of Jordan. This development not only sidelines him from team training but also places his participation in the highly anticipated derby against Persepolis in significant doubt.
The match, scheduled for less than a month from now in the 12th week of the Persian Gulf Pro League, represents a pivotal moment for the Blues. El Haddadi’s potential absence could deal a serious blow to the team’s attacking strategies, as his intelligent movement and vast experience have been instrumental in creating opportunities in recent games.
National Team Ambitions in the Balance
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for the player on a personal level. In recent interviews with Moroccan media, El Haddadi had openly expressed his primary goal for the season: to excel with Esteghlal and thereby earn a recall to the Moroccan national team, the “Atlas Lions.”
“Wearing the national team jersey again would be a great honor for me, and I am trying to achieve that through good performances at Esteghlal,” he had stated. A prolonged absence from the pitch could now dim his prospects of being considered for national team duties ahead of upcoming international commitments.
A Race Against Time
While Esteghlal’s medical team has yet to issue an official statement on the severity of the injury, initial reports suggest a race against time to get the player fit for the derby. The club is undoubtedly eager to have its star player available for such a crucial fixture. However, there is also a recognized risk that rushing his return could exacerbate the injury.
For Munir El Haddadi, the coming days will be decisive. His immediate focus will be on recovery, balancing the dream of a triumphant return with Esteghlal against his cherished ambition of once again representing his country on the international stage.