Italy’s repechage to World Cup: two more bricks on'Iran

The situation at home in Iran is getting even more complicated less than a month and a half before the start of the World Cup. While the Tehran selection’s participation in the World Cup remains in high doubt, two key members of the team have been seriously injured and are worrying technical commissioner Ghalenoei.

Ali Gholizadeh, an offensive outside forward who currently plays for Lech Poznan in Poland, injured his knee in the last league match. 42 appearances for the Iranian national team, Gholizadeh was injured during the match against Motor Lublin: in an attempt to avoid a sliding tackle, the winger tried to jump over the opponent, but landed very badly on the ground, turning his left knee.

Gholizadeh was carried off the field on a stretcher and there is much concern about his condition. After medical examinations, the Iranian player restored some hope to the fans: “I went back to Poznań to have an MRI. Thank God I can bend and straighten my knee. My kneecap dislocated and then returned to its place. The medical staff of the team examined me and I also consulted two doctors. They all told me that if it is just the kneecap, it is not serious and I should be back in good condition in about four weeks. Hopefully it is nothing serious.”

In addition to Gholizadeh, Iran fans are also holding their breath for Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who was injured during a game with Dender in the Belgian Jupiler League. Jahanbakhsh, an Iran veteran with 97 national team appearances, was forced out at 32′ of the match due to an unspecified injury. There will be updates on the extent of the problem in the coming days.

A meeting between FIFA and the Tehran Federation in Zurich is expected to be held on May 20, decisive for Iran’s participation in the World Cup, which has been put in doubt by the conflict with the United States. Italy remains at the window, an interested spectator (despite itself) of events.