PLDC – Iran international defensive midfielder Ali Karimi could miss the 2018 World Cup due to injury.
The Sepahan player has been forced to leave Iran’s trainings for back pain and has missed the friendly match against Uzbekistan, scheduled for Saturday.
The Iranian media reports suggest that Karimi has missed the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
It would be a huge blow for Team Melli since Omid Ebrahimi has already missed Iran national team’s trainings for foot injury and Saeid Ezatolahi is not eligible for Iran’s first match due to suspension.
Karimi, who has made nine caps for Iran national football team, made his debut against Papua Guinea on 10 November 2016 in a friendly match.