Title: National Team Absence: The Road to Recovery for Iranian Winger Ali Gholizadeh
Introduction
The recent roster announcement for the Iranian national football team has brought attention to several notable absences, with winger Ali Gholizadeh being a prominent name missing from the list. The talented player, a key figure for his Polish club Lech Poznań, finds himself sidelined during a crucial period of international fixtures.
A Consistent Omission
Gholizadeh was last called up to Team Melli in March 2024 under coach Amir Ghalenoei. During that window, he featured as a substitute in two pivotal World Cup qualifiers against the UAE and Uzbekistan. However, since those appearances, the 27-year-old has not been selected for national duty, a situation that has persisted through subsequent international breaks.
Club Form and Untimely Injury
The winger’s absence from the national squad is not due to a lack of form. In the previous Polish league season, Gholizadeh was a vital contributor for Lech Poznań, playing in 33 out of 34 matches. His impressive tally of eight goals and five assists was instrumental in his club’s successful campaign to win the Ekstraklasa title. Unfortunately, an injury at the tail end of that season caused him to miss the national team’s training camp in May and the following international matches.
The Current Setback
Gholizadeh’s last competitive match was on August 5, 2024, in a Champions League qualifying round against Red Star Belgrade. After sustaining an injury in training shortly thereafter, he has been unable to return to the pitch for both club and country for the past three months. This prolonged recovery period has directly resulted in his exclusion from the latest national team selection.
Looking Forward
While missing four consecutive national team call-ups is a significant setback, especially with the World Cup on the horizon, reports from Polish media indicate a positive turn. It is anticipated that Ali Gholizadeh will make his return to competitive action in the near future, aiming to regain his form and fitness in the Polish Ekstraklasa. His eventual return will be closely watched by fans and national team selectors alike.