Al-Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after suffering a fractured collarbone during his side’s opening match against Inter Miami.
The Egyptian international was forced off the pitch just 14 minutes into Sunday’s goalless draw at the Hard Rock Stadium.
His early exit raised immediate concerns, and those fears were soon confirmed when medical examinations revealed the extent of the injury.
“X-rays have confirmed that Emam Ashour has a broken collarbone,” said club doctor Ahmed Gaballah in a statement published on Al-Ahly’s official X account. “Medical tests conducted on Emam Ashour at a Miami hospital have confirmed that he has a broken collarbone and will miss the rest of the team’s competition,” he added.
Ashour, a key figure in Al-Ahly’s midfield setup, had been expected to play a central role in the club’s World Cup campaign.
His early substitution disrupted the rhythm of the team, with Zizo coming on to replace him in what turned out to be a tightly contested fixture.
The injury presents a significant setback for the Cairo giants as they look to make an impact on the global stage.
Ashour’s ability to control the tempo of play and link defence with attack has been a hallmark of Al-Ahly’s domestic and continental success in recent seasons.
While the team managed to secure a point against Inter Miami, the loss of Ashour casts a shadow over their prospects in the remainder of the tournament.
His absence will be felt not just tactically, but also in terms of leadership and composure in high-stakes encounters.
Al-Ahly have not disclosed a precise timeline for Ashour’s recovery beyond confirming he will miss the rest of the competition.
Collarbone fractures typically require several weeks to heal, meaning the midfielder is unlikely to feature again before the end of the summer.
The Egyptian champions now face the challenge of adjusting their midfield structure as they prepare for their next Club World Cup fixture.
Manager Marcel Koller will be forced to rely on squad depth as he navigates through the tournament without one of his most influential players.
Ashour’s injury is a bitter blow at a crucial moment, and Al-Ahly will hope his teammates can rally in his absence as they continue their pursuit of international honours.
