Bahrain captain out of Iran clash

PFDC – MANAMA, Bahrain’s hopes of getting revenge for the devastating 0-6 debacle in Tehran last month received a serious blow, as their skipper Mohammed Salmeen was ruled out of Friday’s World Cup qualifier due to injury.

The playmaker had already missed the first leg against group leaders Iran due to a hurt ankle, but was initially expected to make it for the crucial game in Manama.

Abdulla Fatai form Kuwait’s Al Jahra was called up instead of the veteran midfielder for the Persian Gulf islanders.

Meanwhile, also Iran’s next opponent might be without two major players. Indonesia, currently in almost hopeless last position of the table, have naturalized two Nigerian players, but haven’t received any confirmation from Nigeria’s football federation yet, confirming the duo is still uncapped for Nigeria and therefore eligible to play.

While the couple is expected to certainly miss Friday’s match against Qatar, they are also doubtful for the tie with Iran in Jakarta on Tuesday.