Pharaohs in a setback: Karim Fouad sidelined with knee injury, Arab Cup hopes shaken
4 December 2025
Injury forces Fouad to miss remaining Arab Cup fixtures
Egyptian Football Association announced that Karim Fouad, the right-back for Al Ahly and the national team, would miss the rest of the Arab Cup in Doha.
Officials said Fouad sustained a knee injury during yesterday's training, with first aid provided by the medical staff led by Dr. Ayman Zain.
The following morning, Zain accompanied him to Aspetar Hospital in Doha for scans to determine the extent of the injury.
Injury details and treatment plan
Dr. Zain said the scans showed a sprain of the medial collateral ligament of the right knee, with involvement of the cruciate ligament region.
The diagnosis called for a conservative rehabilitation program lasting about four to six weeks, with ongoing coordination between the club's medical staff and the national team doctors to monitor progress.
The development is a painful blow for the Pharaohs as they navigate the Arab Cup schedule.
Egypt had drawn 1-1 with Kuwait in the group opener, sitting second in the table behind Jordan, who beat UAE 3-1.
Egypt are preparing to face UAE in the next group fixture to boost their chances of advancing.
On the medical update, Dr. Ahmed Gaballah, the first-team doctor for Al Ahly, said Fouad will undergo a focused rehabilitation protocol after suffering ligament injuries during the national team camp.
He added that both the club and national team medical staff are coordinating to plan the next steps in the treatment and ensure a strong return after the rehabilitation period.
They emphasized that coordinated care between Ahly and the national team is key to a full and safe return to competition.
Juggling club duties and international duty has never been easy, but the physio bench never runs out of humor—except when the knee does, apparently.
