Karimi, Teymourian uncertain for Uzbekistan qualifier

PFDC – TEHRAN, The Iranian star midfielders Ali Karimi (33/Persepolis) and Andranik Teymourian (29/Al Kharitiyath) are uncertain for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on next Wednesday due to slight injuries.

Although Karimi fortunately probably only suffered a slight cramp of the right upper leg due to lack of fitness and therefore most likely will stay in the squad, Teymourian is plagued by a hamstring injury he suffered at his club.

It is yet unclear if Carlos Queiroz will name further players as a replacement of the two influential midfielders or if he still hopes for a speedy recovery of the duo.

The Portugese had just today reduced his initial 28-man squad to 25 players, sending attackers Arash Afshin and Jalal Rafkhaei home together with leftback Ehsan Hajsafi.

On a side note, the Iranian international Masoud Shojaei (28/CA Osasuna) is also out due to an injury of his upper leg, but he will miss the upcoming qualifier anyway as a result of his red card suspension in the South Korea match.