TEHRAN – Iran international midfielder Ali Gholizadeh looks set to miss his country's 2019 AFC Asian Cup due to a foot injury.

The Charleroi midfielder suffered an ankle sprain after a duel with Antonio Milic in Anderlecht match on Dec. 9.

Gholizadeh left Belgium to join the Iranian delegation in Doha after consulting with the doctors.  

"Ali went to Qatar to be treated in a world-renowned center, where his national team is currently staying to prepare for the Asian Cup," Pierre-Yves Hendrickx, General Secretary of Sporting Charleroi told dh.be.

Gholizadeh must be fit two weeks before the start of the tournament.

Iran national football team have been drawn with Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam in Group D of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The competition was scheduled to take place from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1 in the UAE.