AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifying: Injured Mahdavikia out of Iran squad

AFC - Iran captain Mehdi Mahdavikia will miss the AFC Asian Cup 2007 final qualifying against Korea Republic after picking up an injury last week when playing for his Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV.

Mahdavikia joins Serie A club Livorno defender Rahman Rezaei on the sidelines for Wednesday’s home game for which coach Amir Ghalenoiee has called up a strong squad despite the fact that Korea Republic have already announced a second-string side.

Both teams have already qualified for the tournament proper.

The team started training on Saturday but key overseas-based players like Vahid Hashemian (Hannover 96), Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich) and Javad Nekounam (Osasuna) are likely to link up by tomorrow.

“Mahdavikia is an important player but injuries are part of the game and I will try to find an alternative from among the players we have,” said Ghalenoiee.

“We are preparing a strong, aggressive team to beat Korea here in Tehran . All our training is based on this. I think no team in Asia will be able to stand against us.”