Al Ahly could be without key midfielder Mohamed Magdy Afsha for their highly anticipated Egyptian Premier League showdown against Zamalek SC this weekend after the 28-year-old sustained a calf injury during training.
The Red Devils, currently second in the league standings with 32 points, are preparing for one of Egypt’s fiercest rivalries but may have to do so without one of their most influential players.
Afsha, who has been a crucial figure under head coach Marcel Koller this season, suffered a torn calf muscle during the team’s latest training session.
The extent of the injury remains uncertain, pending the results of an X-ray that will determine whether he can feature in Saturday’s match.
“Afsha will undergo medical examinations to assess the severity of the injury,” an Al Ahly official confirmed. “The technical staff will make a final decision based on the medical report.”
The timing of the injury comes as a significant setback for Al Ahly, who are pushing to close the gap at the top of the league.
With 25 appearances this season, Afsha has registered four goals and three assists, playing a pivotal role in Al Ahly’s campaign.
His creativity and ability to control the tempo in midfield have made him indispensable to Koller’s tactics.
Saturday’s clash at 17:00 GMT holds considerable weight in the title race.
Zamalek SC sit just five points behind Al Ahly in third place with 27 points, and a victory could reignite their championship hopes.
The Cairo derby, renowned for its intensity and passionate fan base, always carries added significance, but this encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the league standings.
Koller now faces a tactical dilemma as he weighs his midfield options should Afsha be ruled out.
The Swiss coach has relied heavily on the playmaker’s vision and link-up play, and finding a like-for-like replacement will not be easy.
Zamalek, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in the Al Ahly lineup.
Their squad, buoyed by a recent string of solid performances, will see the potential absence of Afsha as an opportunity to seize control of the midfield battle.
The Cairo derby consistently delivers high-stakes drama, and this edition promises to be no different.
While fans eagerly await the showdown between Egypt’s footballing giants, all eyes will be on Afsha’s medical results, which could heavily influence the outcome of this crucial encounter.
