TEHRAN – Persepolis defender Hossein Mahini will miss the rest of the Iran Professional League season after he injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Thursday's match against Esteghlal.

Mahini was hurt in the 37th minute and was forced to leave the field.

His absence will be a big blow for Persepolis since the Reds will have to play Qatari giants Al Sadd on Tuesday in Doha in the first leg of the AFC Champions League semi-finals.

 “He will receive an MRI to determine the extent of the injury,” Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic said.

“On Tuesday, we will have a big task against powerful Al Sadd since Mohammad Ansari and Kamal Kamyabinia are suspended and Mahini’s absence will put our team under more pressure,” the Croat added.