Title: Esteghlal FC Faces Critical Stretch as Squad Navigates Key Absences
Tehran – Esteghlal Football Club is set to resume its campaign in the Iran Pro League and the AFC Champions League, entering a decisive phase of the season under manager Ricardo Sá Pinto. The team’s preparations are underway amidst significant challenges, testing the squad’s depth and resilience.
A Crucial Domestic and Continental Double-Header
The Blues are scheduled to return to training this Friday, focusing on technical refinement and physical conditioning. The intensive sessions are designed to prepare the team for two pivotal matches in quick succession.
First, on Friday, October 16th, Esteghlal will host Mes Rafsanjan at the Shahid-e Qods City Stadium in a vital Pro League encounter. Following a series of inconsistent results, Sá Pinto’s squad is determined to secure a victory and solidify their standing in the domestic league table.
Merely days later, on Wednesday, October 21st, the team faces an equally critical test in the AFC Champions League, welcoming Jordan’s Al-Wehdat to the same venue. The outcome of this match is expected to have a direct impact on Esteghlal’s position within its group, making it a high-stakes continental affair.
Leadership Reshuffle Amid Injury Setbacks
The team’s preparations have been complicated by significant injuries to two key leaders. First-choice captain, Roozbeh Cheshmi, sustained an injury in the recent match against Chadormaloo Ardakan. The medical staff has confirmed he will be unavailable for team training for at least the next two weeks.
Compounding the challenge, fellow defender and team captain, Saleh Hardani, was also injured during the same fixture and will miss the upcoming matches. The simultaneous absence of these two pivotal players presents a considerable tactical puzzle for Manager Sá Pinto as he finalizes his starting lineup.
A New Captain Steps Forward
In the absence of the primary captains, the responsibility of leading the team will fall to the experienced Ramin Rezaeian. Rezaeian, who has delivered consistently strong performances since the start of the season, is recognized alongside Abolfazl Jalali as one of the team’s senior leaders. The coaching staff anticipates that Rezaeian’s extensive experience and leadership qualities will be instrumental in guiding his teammates through the demanding fixtures against Mes Rafsanjan and Al-Wehdat.
The technical staff has planned a rigorous schedule of focused training sessions aimed at ensuring the players achieve peak physical and mental readiness. Sá Pinto has placed a particular emphasis on enhancing coordination between the different lines of the team, with the clear objective of stabilizing Esteghlal’s domestic league position and achieving successful outcomes on the Asian stage.
