Injured Karimi sits out Monday's practice session

IRNA - Ali Karimi who is suffering from a nagging ankle injury, was forced to sit out team practice in Nuremberg on Monday, DPA reported.

The Bayern Munich player completed only a light running program in Nuremberg and did not take part in the team training program.

"Karimi has slight problems with his foot," said Iran's coach Branko Ivankovic ahead of his squad's return to their World Cup base in the south German town of Friedrichshafen.

Karimi was substituted in the second half of his team's 3-1 Group D opening loss against Mexico after receiving a kick on his injured right ankle.

Iran will face a crucial game against Portugal in Frankfurt on Saturday.