Al Ahly have suffered a major blow ahead of their crucial Club World Cup tie against Palmeiras, with midfielder Ahmed Nabil Koka ruled out due to injury.
The talented youngster, who picked up a knee bruise during the goalless draw with Inter Miami, will not be available for Thursday’s second-round match.
In an official statement, Al Ahly confirmed that medical tests showed Koka’s condition makes him unfit to feature in the upcoming game. As a result, head coach Jose Riveiro and his technical team have opted to leave him out of the squad travelling to MetLife Stadium in New York.
“The medical tests that Nabil underwent proved his inability to catch up with Al Ahly and Palmeiras,” the club said, explaining his omission.
Adding to the club’s woes, winger Taher Mohammed Taher has also been ruled out. Tests revealed a serious injury in the origin of his front muscle, sidelining him for the highly anticipated fixture.
Al Ahly’s match against Palmeiras will be a decisive moment in Group A as both teams chase a spot in the next round.
