Title: Masharipov’s Road to Recovery: The Final Hurdle for His Esteghlal Return
A Positive Sign on the Pitch
In a welcome development for Esteghlal FC and its supporters, Jalaloddin Masharipov has been participating in team training with notable energy and vigor. His active presence in the latest session, held before the team’s match against Al-Wasl, signals a significant step in his recovery from a long-term injury. After a period of rehabilitation, the player has now fully rejoined group exercises and has even begun ball work in recent days.
A Strategic Recovery
Masharipov suffered a cruciate ligament tear during the pre-season. Demonstrating considerable personal determination, he opted to postpone surgery in the year leading up to the World Cup, a goal he successfully achieved. His commitment has paid off, as he has managed to regain fitness and demonstrate his readiness in group training even before the conclusion of the first half of the season.
The Administrative Green Light
The path for Masharipov’s official return has been smoothed by club officials. According to Farshid Taheri, the head of transfers for the Iranian Football League Organization, there is no administrative obstacle to adding Masharipov to Esteghlal’s squad list. Taheri clarified that Masharipov’s contract, which had expired, was duly renewed by Esteghlal. His initial absence from the squad list was due to his injury, not an administrative issue.
“His contract is valid,” Taheri stated. “Because he was not on the initial season list to begin with, the question of removing him from a list is not relevant. Based on the regulations, the club can register him to fill an empty slot on their list at any time his medical readiness is confirmed.”
The Final Condition
With one vacant slot remaining on Esteghlal’s roster, and given that Masharipov is not classified as a new signing, club management has the flexibility to add him either under a FIFA quota or during the mid-season registration window. All indications point towards the final approval resting solely with the positive assessment of Esteghlal’s own medical team, marking the last step before his official return to the pitch.