Former Esteghlal Player, Mes' Big Absentee Against Sepahan!

According to "Varzesh 3", former Esteghlal midfielder Zobeyr Niknafs pursued a different path in Iranian football after leaving the team. Having departed two seasons ago despite expectations of a contract extension and continued presence with the Blues, he remained without a team for a while until joining Fajr Sepasi Shiraz in the early weeks of last season. Niknafs is now wearing the shirt of Mes Shahr-e Babak this season and has become one of the key players for the newly promoted team in the Pro League.

Niknafs has featured in 9 matches for Mes Shahr-e Babak this season, logging 740 minutes, scoring two goals, and providing one assist, playing an important role in his team's performance. With his experience at Esteghlal and familiarity with the atmosphere of Pro League competitions, he has become one of Ghasem Shahba's key players—a player whose presence in midfield and involvement in attacks are of great importance to Mes.

However, the former Esteghlal midfielder suffered bad luck in the week nine match against Persepolis, leaving the pitch due to injury in the 37th minute of the first half. Now, this very injury has made him one of Mes Shahr-e Babak's major absentees for the crucial clash against Sepahan—a tough match for a team looking to exit recent unfavorable conditions and secure a promising result.

Niknafs' absence could also impact Ghasem Shahba's plans. The Mes head coach must prepare his side to face Sepahan while lacking one of his experienced and effective players, having to seek a new solution to fill his void.

In the week two match against Kheybar Khorramabad, Niknafs scored Mes Shahr-e Babak's first goal in the Pro League, and in week five, he contributed to an own goal by Fajr Sepasi by creating a chance during the attack.

The Mes midfielder also set up his team's lone goal in the match against Malavan Bandar Anzali with a precise corner kick delivery in the 85th minute, although Mes ultimately lost 2-1 and could not capitalize on the opportunity to earn points.

Consequently, Niknafs has played a direct or impactful role in several of Mes Shahr-e Babak's key goals, and his absence ahead of the clash with Sepahan represents a significant blow to the team's attacking plans. For a side that has struggled with scoring in recent weeks, losing one of its effective midfielders could make Ghasem Shahba's challenge in Isfahan even tougher.