Injuries affect Iranian preparations

AFC – Newly-crowned WAFF champions Iran face injury concerns as they begin their final preparations for the Asian Cup 2004, which kicks off in China on July 17.

Branko Ivankovic’s side are to hold their final preparations for the Asian Cup in Europe with the team to leave for Germany on June 30 for an 11-day training camp that will include four friendly matches against German sides.

Iran, who will play in a tough Group D that includes defending champions Japan, Thailand and Oman, have been hit by an injury to 2003 AFC Player of the Year Mehdi Mahdavikia, suffered during the FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifier against Jordan on June 9. The injury has not been deemed serious though and the Hamburg playmaker is expected to resume training with Team Melli soon. 

Also receiving treatment is striker Arash Borhani, who starred at the WAFF Championship before picking up a knee injury in the final against Syria. The 20-year-old, who was substituted in the 65th minute of the match, has said that he will be back for the Asian Cup and will resume training soon.

One player who will definitely miss out on the Asian Cup is under-23 captain Moharram Navidkia, who is sidelined for six months after picking up a serious knee injury during the Iran Olympic side’s clash against Korea Republic in the Asian Football Qualifiers in May. Navidkia, who has reportedly signed for German Bundesliga side VFL Bochum, is presently in Dusseldorf where he is expected to undergo an operation.

Meanwhile, Farhad Majidi of United Arab Emirates league side Al Wasl, who was included in Iran’s provisional 30-man squad for the competition, has asked coach Ivankovic not to include him in the side. Majidi follows in the footsteps of Bayern Munich-bound Vahid Hashemian, who has declined to represent his country at the Asian Cup.

Iran will open their Asian Cup campaign against Thailand on July 20 in Chongqing.