Pouladi to miss Indonesia clash

PFDC – JAKARTA, Iran leftback Mehrdad Pouladi will miss Iran’s World Cup qualifier against Indonesia in Jakarta due to injury.

The 24-year-old Mes Kerman man, who recently established himself as Team Melli coach Carlos Queiroz’ number one option for the left defensive side, is suffering from a muscle injury.

Pouladi’s likely replacement will be Teraktorsazi and former Sepahan leftfooter Ehsan Hajsafi or Zob Ahan fullback Hossein Mahini, the latter usually playing on the right side though.

World Cup qualifying group E leaders Iran will take on Indonesia on Tuesday (15:30 Tehran time) in a game that in case of victory could seal their qualification for the fourth and final round, should Bahrain not beat Qatar in Doha.

Indonesia, who lost the first leg in Tehran 0-3 in September, are on bottom of the group with no points and a 2-12 goal difference.