Esteghlal Malian striker Cheick Diabate is a doubt for next week’s Tehran derby against Persepolis after being carried off with a rib injury in the 1-1 draw against Naft Masjed Soleyman.
He has provided Esteghlal’s goal for Mehdi Ghaedi in 16th minute but was replaced by Morteza Tabrizi before half time following a heavy clash with the opponent’s defender. The club have not announced his recovery period yet but it seems he will face a race against time to recover for his first Tehran Derby.
Esteghlal’s misery has completed before final whistle when attacking midfielder Farshid Esmaeili has received his marching order and will surely miss the derby.
Andrea Stramaccioni’s side have got just two points from the season’s first three matches and the derby will be do-or-die clash for Italian manager.