Esteghlal defender Rustam Ashurmatov faces injury doubt

Esteghlal defender Rustam Ashurmatov is unlikely to play in the upcoming Asian match against Al-Shamal due to a knee injury sustained during the game against Shabab Al-Ahli. The Uzbekistani player has been unable to participate in group training sessions and has instead been undergoing physiotherapy under medical supervision.

Ashurmatov will travel with the team to Basra, Iraq, to continue his treatment. A final medical test is scheduled for Monday, one day before the match, to determine if he can be included in the squad. Even if he passes the test, his chances of starting the match remain low, as the coaching staff may only use him in emergency situations.

If Ashurmatov is unable to play, Esteghlal may adjust its defensive structure. Available options include specialists Aref Aghasi and Saman Fallah, or moving Roozbeh Cheshmi to the center of the defense, which could allow Amirmohammad Rezaghinia to play as a defensive midfielder to maintain a three-man defense.