Iraq's soccer team faces another setback as Montazer Majed hurt his foot during practice with his Swedish club Hammarby. The injury happened when his team prepared for their match against IF Elfsborg. Majed missed that game because of the pain. Doctors will examine him on Sunday to see how bad the damage is. The medical team wants him to rest before making any travel plans.
Coach Graham Arnold already deals with several injured players on his squad. Defender Mustafa Saadoun cannot play either. Majed was supposed to join the team camp on Monday. The coach counted on him to help with offense and midfield duties. His absence hurts the team's depth for upcoming matches.
Iraq plays South Korea on June 5 at Basra International Stadium. The team travels to Jordan for another game on June 10. These matches matter greatly for World Cup hopes. Iraq sits third with 12 points behind Jordan at 13 and Korea at 16. The Lions of Mesopotamia need wins to avoid playoff rounds and secure direct World Cup qualification.
Coach Graham Arnold already deals with several injured players on his squad. Defender Mustafa Saadoun cannot play either. Majed was supposed to join the team camp on Monday. The coach counted on him to help with offense and midfield duties. His absence hurts the team's depth for upcoming matches.
Iraq plays South Korea on June 5 at Basra International Stadium. The team travels to Jordan for another game on June 10. These matches matter greatly for World Cup hopes. Iraq sits third with 12 points behind Jordan at 13 and Korea at 16. The Lions of Mesopotamia need wins to avoid playoff rounds and secure direct World Cup qualification.
