Persepolis, currently second in the 2025-26 Iran Pro League (IPL) table, will face table-topping Esteghlal on Friday.

Bakic, the Montenegrin midfielder, suffered a left quadriceps strain in early November during the match with Esteghlal Khuzestan and is expected to miss the derby.

Persepolis winger Thievy Bifouma is reportedly fit for the match.

Munir El Haddadi is expected to miss the derby as well, and Duckens Nazon is also considered doubtful. Esteghlal sits atop the table with 19 points (one game in hand), while Persepolis is second with 18 points.