Al Ahly will be without seven key players when they face Ceramica Cleopatra in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League on Friday.
The Cairo giants have endured a difficult start to the campaign, and their problems deepened following a 1-1 draw with Enppi in their last outing.
Injuries picked up during that match and in the days that followed have left the squad severely depleted.
Ahmed Mostafa, widely known as Zizo, has been ruled out after suffering a strained adductor muscle.
The midfielder picked up the problem against Enppi and will undergo additional medical tests on Saturday to determine how long he will be sidelined.
His absence is regarded as a major blow, with the player having been central to Al Ahly’s midfield structure.
Imam Ashour, another influential figure in Marcel Koller’s team, is also unavailable.
The club confirmed that Ashour will not feature against Ceramica, adding to the growing list of absentees.
The midfielder’s dynamism and creativity have been crucial in recent months, and his injury comes at a critical juncture as Al Ahly attempt to regain momentum in the league.
The injury list extends beyond the pair, with five other first-team regulars set to miss the fixture.
Their collective absence places heavy pressure on the squad’s depth and raises concerns about consistency in performance as Al Ahly navigate a demanding domestic schedule.
Koller, who has faced scrutiny over the team’s slow start, now faces the additional challenge of reshuffling his line-up.
Supporters have voiced concerns about the club’s form, particularly after dropped points against mid-table sides early in the season.
With expectations always high, the injury crisis risks intensifying the pressure on the coaching staff.
Ceramica Cleopatra, who have shown resilience in the league this season, will be hoping to capitalise on Al Ahly’s weakened squad.
Their meeting comes at a time when the reigning champions are desperate to avoid further setbacks and regain ground in the title race.
For Al Ahly, the absence of seven players underscores the importance of squad depth as they look to balance domestic commitments with continental ambitions.
The coming weeks will prove critical not only for results on the pitch but also for the recovery of key players who remain central to the club’s long-term objectives.
