MOSCOW – Iran national football team defender Rouzbeh Cheshmi has been ruled out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia after suffering a muscle injury in Team Melli’s training on Sunday.

Cheshmi played a pivotal role in Iran’s 1-0 win over Morocco in Group B of the World Cup.

According to medical staff, he will be out of action at least for four weeks.

Iran have been scheduled to face Spain on Wednesday and Cheshmi’s absence could be a huge blow for Carlos Queiroz’s team.

Iran will also face Portugal on June 25.

Iran national football team have not qualified for the World Cup next round so far and the first win over Morocco have boosted their chances of securing a place in Round of 16.