Azmoun set to be sidelined for four weeks with knee injury
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun is expected to be out of action for four weeks after suffering a knee injury during Shabab Al Ahli’s victory in the UAE President’s Cup on Saturday.
The prolific forward headed home his 10th goal of the season with nine minutes into the first half to lead the Emirati club to a 2-0 win against Dibba Al Hisn in the round of 16, before being forced out injured before halftime.
Iranian fans feared the worst as rumors on social media following the game suggested a lengthy layoff for Azmoun due to a ligament injury, but an early assessment indicated that the Iranian should be able to return to the pitch within 30 days.
However, the Iranian talisman, who scored twice to inspire Team Melli to a 4-1 beating of Qatar in the World Cup qualifiers last week, will face a race against time to be available for the country’s next two games in its qualification campaign.
Sitting atop Group A with 10 points, Amir Qalenoei’s side will play North Korea – in a neutral venue yet to be confirmed – on November 14 before taking on the Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek five days later.