Health on the Frontline: Al Ahly Vaccinates Squad Ahead of Petrojet Showdown

Health-first precautions ahead of a big league clash

Walid Salah El-Din, the football director of Al Ahly, confirmed that the medical staff vaccinated all members of the first-team staff and players against Hepatitis A, in coordination with a leading company in the field, to safeguard public health and ensure preventive measures that guarantee the team’s safety.

The club also stressed its commitment to applying the necessary medical procedures as part of a continuous set of steps taken in collaboration with specialized bodies, aiming to keep players ready and to maintain a healthy working environment within the football organization.

A club source indicated that the main reason for vaccinating the squad is Imam Ashour’s planned participation in group training in the coming days.

The preventive measure targets a moderately contagious virus, with concerns that Imam Ashour might mix with teammates in the near future.

The medical staff will not allow Imam Ashour to train until he is fully recovered; however, as a precaution for any eventuality, all players were vaccinated.

Imam Ashour’s status

The club announced a 48-hour window to decide Imam Ashour’s fate after he had been away from the squad due to infection, which necessitated hospital and home isolation.

Dr. Ahmed Gaballah, the club’s lead physician, said Imam Ashour would undergo a new medical test within the next 48 hours to assess recovery and to schedule him for a rehabilitation program before rejoining group training.

Recent tests have shown notable improvement in his condition.

Preparation for Petrojet

Al Ahly’s first team resumed training yesterday at Mokhtar El Tet Stadium on Gezira Island, in readiness for the upcoming league match against Petrojet.

Training followed a 24-hour rest after the victory over Eagle Nuar Burundi in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup, with the players undergoing a series of physical sessions in the gym and on the pitch.

The ready trio

The first-team squad saw the participation of Mohamed El Shenawy, Karim Fouad, and Ahmed Sayed Zizou in training. El Shenawy returned after missing the Eagles Burundi clash due to a severe cold and general fatigue. Karim Fouad rejoined full training after recovery, while Ahmed Sayed Zizo still carried some residual fatigue in the posterior muscle group.

Dari and Sharf update

A club source revealed that Ashraf Dari will undergo another scan in the coming hours to determine the date for his return to full squad training. Dari had suffered a groin issue and has started light jogging recently, while Mohamed Sherif has begun jogging around the pitch.

The medical staff also indicated that Hussein El Shahat will need at least five weeks before rejoining group training; scans showed some improvement, but more time is needed for full recovery.

Emirates trip and Super Cup plans

The club decided to travel to the United Arab Emirates on November 4 to compete in the Egyptian Super Cup, which runs from November 6 to 9. Four teams will participate: Al Ahly (champions), Pyramids FC (wildcard), Zamalek (Egypt Cup winners), and Ceramica Cleopatra (league cup holders).

Al Ahly will meet Ceramica Cleopatra on November 6 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, while Zamalek and Pyramids will face off on the same day at Al-Wadah Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The winners will play the final on November 9 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi; the losers will play for third place at another venue.

An official close to the club confirmed that Sayed Abdel Hafeez will lead the delegation to the UAE, pending his formal election as a club board member this Friday.

Punchlines incoming: If vaccines were goals, Al Ahly would be cruising to a hat-trick. And if health protocols were dribbles, the virus would be parked on the substitutes’ bench. Stay tuned for the next clean sheet of news.