Iran's Captain to Miss World Cup Qualifying Matches

FNA - Mehdi Mahdavikia, a day prior to Eintracht Frankurt's last game of the season against Duisburg, was hit with a twisted knee injury blow that will sideline Iranian international for at least four weeks.

Iranian team's captain ,who just recovered from back injury three weeks ago, in time to feature for Iran against UAE on June 2, faced yet another injury lay-off which will keep him out of action for at least four weeks, with the addition of recovery period.

Severity of Mahdavikia's twisted knee will sideline Iranian right winger for rest of Iran's World Cup Qualifying First round games against UAE, Syria and Kuwait.

Mehdi Mahdavikia, whose twisted knee injury occurred in Eintracht Frankfurt training session on Friday, was told by the team doctor to undergo rehabilitation process in Frankfurt for four weeks.

Iranian team captain expressed his disappointment with the timing of his injury and said, "I'm very saddened by this news. I recovered from my old injury just recently and was back to playing full games in Eintracht's recent matches but with this injury blow I will miss Iran's important fixtures in the next month."

Mahdavikia added he has contacted Iran National team doctor and Football Federation, to notify Iran's coaching team of his injury-lay off.

Iran is in Group five of Asian World Cup qualifying tournament with Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran have collected two points from the opening two games of Group Five and sit in second place behind leaders UAE. Syria and Kuwait are the other members of the group.

Iran commenced their training camp in Ardabil on Sunday May 18.