Anxiety at Al Ahly as Injuries Mount Ahead of Young Africans Clash

Injury concerns ahead of Young Africans clash

A wave of concern swept through Al Ahly's coaching staff as injuries mounted in the squad, with several players likely missing the upcoming Young Africans clash, a crucial group-stage duel scheduled for January 23 in the CAF Champions League.

Key updates on the squad

A source told Koora exclusively that despite Ahmad Abdelkader returning to full training after recovery, there are serious concerns centered on injuries to Mustafa El-Esh and Moroccan Ashraf Dari, which could keep them out for more than two weeks, while Al Ahly also faces a push to market them in the winter window amid transfer talks.

The source added: The scans for Mustafa El-Esh show a strong strain in the front thigh, ruling him out for at least two weeks; the same for Dari, who has a severe ankle bruise, while Mohamed Magdi Afsha will need a few days before returning to full team training.

He added: Karem Fouad, Al Ahly's player, remains at least two weeks from a gradual return, after a knee ligament strain, while Moroccan Ashraf Ben Sharqi continues rehab and needs two more weeks to join training, as well, having suffered a hamstring tear.

The source concluded that Mohamed Sherif has an injury and will undergo further scans, but will need at least 10 days, possibly longer, before returning to training soon.

Punchline 1: If injuries were a transfer, Al Ahly would have signed a dozen doctors already.

Punchline 2: Patience is the sponsor—watch the trainer's stopwatch.