Inter Milan will be without Mehdi Taremi for the start of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign after the Iranian forward was left stranded in Tehran due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
The 32-year-old had just scored in Iran’s 3-0 win over North Korea during World Cup qualifying, but travel restrictions have prevented him from rejoining the Inter squad in Los Angeles.
The club confirmed on Saturday that Taremi remains in his homeland.
Inter begin their campaign against Monterrey on Tuesday at the Rose Bowl in what will be Cristian Chivu’s first game as head coach following Simone Inzaghi’s departure after the Champions League final defeat to PSG.
Despite the recent setbacks, Chivu praised the team’s efforts last season, insisting their achievements should not be overlooked.
“We beat Bayern and Barcelona, led Serie A for most of the year, and reached a Champions League final,” he said. “It’s not failure. Failure is making excuses.”
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