Injuries and player absences have dealt a blow to Al-Masry’s preparations ahead of their clash with Arab Contractors in the opening round of the Egyptian League Cup.
Al-Masry, the runners-up in the previous edition of the tournament, is gearing up for the league cup, where they aim to replicate their past success.
The team’s injury concerns include:
1. Ezi Emeka: Suffered a partial tear in the knee’s internal ligament, requiring plasma injection.
Emeka is undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program, closely monitored by the team’s doctor, Mahmoud El-Shahat, to assess his recovery progress and readiness to rejoin the team’s collective training.
2. Fakhreddine Ben Youssef: Sustained a minor fracture in the right hand, necessitating a medical brace to stabilize the fracture.
Ben Youssef will be absent from the team’s training sessions until he fully recuperates.
3. Mohamed Dabash: Experienced a knee ligament sprain after colliding with the goalpost in the team’s recent training session before the Ismaily match.
4. Elias El Jelassi: Complained of hamstring tightness ahead of the Zamalek match three weeks ago.
Despite being prepared by the team’s medical staff to participate in the game, El Jelassi reported discomfort again before the Ismaily match, leading the coaching staff to prioritize his safety by not fielding him from the beginning.
Additionally, the team’s coach Ali Maher has allowed Gelas Qanawi and Elias Al-Jalassi to travel to their respective countries to fulfill military service and family obligations.
Furthermore, Mahmoud Hamada will be absent from Al-Masry’s squad for the tournament as he focuses on participating in the Egypt Cup during the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
The groups for the League Cup are structured as follows:
Group 1: Modern Future – Al Ittihad – Smouha – Municipal Belqas.
Group 2: Pyramids – Varko – Tala’ea El Gaish – Zed.
Group 3: Ceramica Cleopatra – Enppi – Ismaily – Interior Ministry.
Group 4: Al-Masry – Arab Contractors – National Bank – Gouna.
Al-Masry is scheduled to face Arab Contractors on January 9, then clash with the National Bank on January 17, concluding the group stage against Gouna on January 26.
