Nikbakht out for Asian Cup

PFDC - Branko Ivankovic informed reporters that he will not be counting on Alireza Nikbakht-Vahedi for next month’s Asia Cup. Ivankovic told reporters: "Nikbakht's injury is not too serious, but it will take him three weeks to be fully fit. By that time it will be too late for the Asian Cup. We are hoping to replace him with Madanchi". 

Nikbakht, who, back from his spell in Dubai, injured himself in Esteghlal Tehran's last week's League Cup victory, is the second Iranian to be added to the injury list, the other being vital playmaker Moharram Navidkia. 

In response to a question about the Central Defensive Midfield Ivankovic said: "We have Golmohammadi, Kavianpour and the young Alavi in our squad to play next to the dominant Nekounam. As you witnessed in the West Asian cup, this position is still open and I will try to make my mind up after our games in Germany". 

Ivankovic ended the interview by saying how sorry felt when he heard that Mohammad Ranjbar had passed away. Ivankovic added: "We all knew that he was not in good health, but the news of his death truly touched me as he was like a father figure to me. I have spent very good times with him and I will never forget everything that he had done to help me. From the number of people attending his funeral you could see how popular he was with all the Iranians. The Ranjbar family and Iranian football have lost a good father.”