Karimi out of World Cup qualifiers

PFDC – TEHRAN, Iconic Persepolis Tehran midfielder Ali Karimi will miss Iran’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Bahrain and Indonesia, local media reports.

The 32-year-old playmaker had already missed the 6-0 thrashing of Bahrain last month due to injury but returned to action in Iran’s Persian Gulf Cup last week. However, Karimi was subbed out in his club’s 3-2 win over Damash at halftime and was unable to participate in national team training so far.

Fellow Persepolis midfielder Mohammad Nouri has already been called up to fill the gap, but nevertheless reports suggest that Karimi will accompy the team to Manama and Jakarta for the games on November 11 and 15.

Iran lead group E of Asian World Cup qualification having collected seven points in three games. The two top teams of the group will qualify for the final stage of qualification.