TEHRAN – Persepolis defender Hossein Mahini was ruled out for the rest of the Iran Professional League (IPL) season through knee injury.

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.

As expected, Mahini's season is over after an MRI confirmed a torn ACL on Saturday.

He will undergo surgery next month and will return to the field in May.