Changes to Team Melli squad ahead of Qatar clash

PFDC – TEHRAN, Carlos Queiroz made two minor changes to the 27-men squad for the Qatar game next Wednesday after the 2-2 draw against Jordan on Thursday.

Foolad Khuzestan striker Reza Norouzi was dropped from the list due to a nasty foot injury he suffered during the friendly match, which will keep the marksman sidelined for approximately two months.

However, Persepolis Tehran midfielder Mehrdad Pouladi was added to the roster. The 24-year-old had established himself as number one leftback under Queiroz recently, but fell apart with Miroslav Blazevic at Mes Kerman to joing Persepolis on an offseason transfer, preventing him to play in Iran’s league until next season and only being eligible for the Asian Champions League.

Furthermore it was reported that Gholamreza Rezaei, who limped off the field against Jordan and was subbed out immediately has recovered and will be available against Qatar.

Legionnaires joining

Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari, who had helped Al Wasl to a 2-1 over Emirates Club in UAE’s Etisalat Cup on Thursday, travelled to Tehran with the rest of the national team and has already joined the training camp.

Rubin Kazan goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi also already came to Iran and participated in training on Saturday. The two other European based players will join Team Melli during the next days.

Ashkan Dejagah, who played 65 minutes in Vfl Wolfsburg’s 1-2 Bundesliga home defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday, like CA Osasuna’s Javad Nekounam, already received his ticket to Tehran. The duo is expected to arrive in Iran’s capital on Monday to join the team in their final training session on Tuesday.