TEHRAN – Iran iconic defensive midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi has been ruled out of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup tournament with a foot injury.

The 22-year-old player suffered an injury on international duty in October.

Ezatolahi expressed his disappointment at missing the competition.

"I feel really bad because of missing the AFC Asian Cup but I have to trust in God. It can be helpful in this difficult situation. Also, I am very sad since I cannot be at Team Melli’s service as a soldier. In the 2018 World Cup, I did my best to make the Iranian people happy but I’ve ruled out the Asian Cup and I cannot be a part of Team Melli," said Ezatolahi in a post on social media.

Ezatolahi, who currently plays in English championship side Reading, was a member of Iran national football team in the 2018 World Cup against Spain and Portugal.

Iran have been drawn in Group D of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup alongside Vietnam, Iraq and Yemen.

Team Melli will start their journey with a match against Yemen on January 7 before facing Vietnam on January 12 and Iraq on January 16.