Title: National Team Selection Sparks Discussion: Strategic Decisions Surround Esteghlal Duo
A Familiar Partnership Paused
For years, the attacking duo of Mehdi Ghaedi and Mohammad Mohebi has been a consistent feature for the national team, forming a dynamic partnership on the field. This was true both during their time playing together at Esteghlal in the domestic league and in subsequent seasons when Ghaedi was a legionnaire in the UAE and Mohebi played in Russia. Their established synergy made their recent absence from the match squad a notable point of discussion.
The Squad Announcement Surprise
During the initial stages of the Al Ain tournament, Mohebi was a fixed part of the lineup. Subsequently, news emerged that Ghaedi had also been invited to the training camp. While he was absent from a Monday night training session, it was reported that he was undergoing recovery with the potential to feature in the crucial match against Uzbekistan.
However, when the final team list was released to journalists at the stadium, it contained a surprise: neither Mohebi nor Ghaedi were included. They were not even listed as substitutes, ruling out any possibility of their participation in the match. In their stead, Mohammad Mehdi Mohammadi, who was called up after the first game, was included in the squad and saw playing time in the second half.
Coaching Staff Prioritize Player Welfare
The reasoning behind these strategic omissions was firmly rooted in a precautionary approach to player fitness. Following the first match of the tournament, Mohammad Mohebi reported feeling discomfort in his leg. The coaching staff, led by the experienced management, deemed it prudent not to field him to prevent any risk of aggravating the potential injury.
Similarly, Mehdi Ghaedi, who had played the final 30 minutes for his club in the UAE league just before joining the camp, was eager to contribute. After careful assessment, the technical staff decided that utilizing him carried an unnecessary risk of exacerbating his physical condition. Consequently, the decision was made for him to return to his club in Dubai to continue his recovery, prioritizing his long-term availability.
This measured approach by the national team’s management underscores a commitment to safeguarding the fitness of key players, ensuring the team’s strength and stability for future challenges.