Iran Head Coach Delivers Damning Fitness Update On Inter Milan Star Striker: “Has A Physical Problem” | OneFootball

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei offered a worrying fitness update on Inter Milan center-forward Mehdi Taremi.

During his pre-match conference via FCInterNews, Ghalenoei confirmed the 32-year-old’s fitness problems.

Mehdi Taremi was an unused substitute in Iran’s 2-0 victory against the United Arab Emirates last week.

Indeed, Ghalenoei left the Nerazzurri star on the bench as a precaution, refusing to take risks.

It was a technical decision made in the player’s best interest.

However, the Iranians had hoped to have their talismanic striker ready for tomorrow’s game against Uzbekistan.

Unfortunately, the former Porto ace could skip the clash as he has yet to return to full fitness.

Therefore, Ghalenoei could leave him out again as he doesn’t want to aggravate his condition.

Iran Manager Amir Ghalenoei Offers Alarming Fitness Update on Inter Milan Star Mehdi Taremi

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale reac during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 05, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The player’s health is more important to us than anything else,” Ghalenoei confirmed.

“Taremi has an injury that the medical staff is working on, and tonight, we will assess whether he can play tomorrow or not.

“We could have used him against the United Arab Emirates.

“But after my evaluation, along with the technical staff, we decided not to play him,” he concluded.

Despite his torrid spell at the San Siro, Taremi remains Iran’s standout star.

Indeed, he has been the country’s talisman alongside ex-Roma loanee Sardar Azmoun.

Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi has rarely given him a chance to start this season.

Forced to play second fiddle to Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, Taremi has been nowhere near his Porto form.

To put his struggles in perspective, he has only netted one goal in Serie A this season, courtesy of a spot-kick against Lecce in January.

Therefore, he has failed to meet expectations after a prolific stint in Portugal.

However, he still has time to help Inter win a coveted treble.