Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Esteghlal have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the visit of Group A leaders Al Jazira in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday with first-choice goalkeeper Mahdi Rahmati ruled out through injury.
Rahmati is the only goalkeeper to have kept two clean sheets in the opening two games of the tournament with play-off winners Esteghlal beating Al Rayyan 1-0 in Qatar before being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Uzbekistan's Nasaf two weeks ago.
But the Iran custodian will miss the visit of the UAE Pro League champions to Azadi Stadium along with midfielder Mojtaba Jabbari, although coach Parviz Mazloomi is boosted by the news influential midfielder Andranik Teymourian is in contention for a first appearance of the campaign.
"It's a sensitive match-up for both sides with the group leaders facing the team in second place and the winner will certainly see their way paved for the next round," said Mazloomi, who has guided his side on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
"Fortunately, we know a lot about them and the players are determined to win.
"Based on medical reports, Andranik is fit and it all now hinges on technical reasons whether he plays or not."
Al Jazira have scored seven goals in wins over Nasaf and Al Rayyan, although the UAE Pro League champions have conceded on four occasions and will be without Australia defender Lucas Neill against Esteghlal due to suspension.
"I've been to Iran with Al Gharafa before and I know how difficult it is to play Esteghlal in Iran. We have arrived with our full squad and promise we won't be the underdogs," said Al Jazira coach Caio Junior.
"They have very good strikers, but we will use all we have at our disposal to stop them."
Al Rayyan, meanwhile, will again be without the services of defender Marcone Amaral, while coach Diego Aguirre has doubts over the availability of Brazilian born playmaker Fabio Cesar ahead of the meeting with Nasaf in Doha.
Cesar scored Al Rayyan's second goal against Al Jazira two weeks ago as Aguirre's side fell just short of completing a spirited comeback and were forced to settle for a second consecutive defeat in Group A.
"It's a difficult game for us. We know that Nasaf is great team. We have studied them and they have great players. Although they didn't start the championships that well, the team is improving," said Aguirre.
"Our players will be under pressure because if we lose this game we will be out of AFC Champions League and we don't want that to happen.
"We played great against Al Jazira and Esteghlal, but we were unlucky, and I don't have to change my strategy for the next game. And despite the missing players, we are looking for three points."
With Nasaf picking up just one point from their opening two games after letting slip a two-goal lead at home to Al Jazira on Matchday One, the 2011 AFC Cup winners are also in need of a timely first victory to remain in contention.
"We have come to Doha to achieve one goal which is winning," said coach Roziqul Berdiev.
"We know it will be tough, but we don't have any other choice if we want to continue in the AFC Champions League.
"I expect an open game as both teams want to win. Our level is improving and we had a great victory in the Uzbekistan Cup recently which has given us a lot of confidence."