Hardani ruled out of friendlies with back injury
Esteghlal fullback Saleh Hardani is be expected to be sidelined for a month after suffering a back injury during a 1-1 draw against Chadormalou in the Persian Gulf Pro League on Sunday.
The 26-year-old right back managed to stay in the game until the final whistle but was omitted from Iran’s upcoming friendly games against Russia and Tanzania.
Tractor fullback Danial Esmaeilifar received a first international callout by head coach Amir Qalenoei to replace Hardani in the Iranian squad.
Iran will play Russia in Volgograd on Friday, before facing Tanzania – No. 107 in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking – in Dubai four days later.
The double header will be part of Iran’s preparation for next summer’s World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Shabab Al Ahli striker Sardar Azmoun will also be unavailable for the double header after sustaining a fractured metatarsal in his foot as well as a torn ankle ligament during a training session on Saturday, which could keep him out of action for up to fourth months.