Espérance receive fitness boost before Al Ahly showdown

Espérance Sportive de Tunis have been handed a timely boost ahead of their CAF Champions League quarter-final against Al Ahly, with several key players returning to fitness.

The Tunisian side are close to full strength as they prepare for the two-legged tie against the Egyptian giants, one of the most anticipated fixtures in the competition’s knockout stage.

Among those available again is experienced forward Youssef Msekni, who had missed recent matches following the death of his father.

His return provides valuable leadership and attacking depth at a crucial point in the season.

Brazilian midfielder Yan Sass is also declared fit after suffering a muscle injury during last weekend’s Tunis derby against Stade Tunisien.

His recovery adds further options to Espérance’s midfield ahead of the continental encounter.

The squad has been strengthened further by the return to group training of Algerian Kouceila Boualia.

Winger Kossay Maâcha and right-back Elyas Bouzaiene have also resumed full sessions, giving the coaching staff additional solutions on the flanks.

In goal, Bechir Ben Said has fully recovered from back problems and is expected to start on Sunday, 1 March, when Espérance face Olympique Béja in the Tunisian Ligue 1.

His availability offers stability at the back as the team balances domestic and continental commitments.

Despite the largely positive medical update, Espérance are still likely to be without Algerian international Youcef Belaili and defender Yassine Meriah for the first leg of the quarter-final.

With most of their senior players returning at a decisive moment, Espérance approach the showdown with Al Ahly in improved condition, aiming to secure an advantage before the return leg.

The gradual recovery of key figures could prove decisive as the Tunisian champions look to progress further in Africa’s premier club competition.