Youssef Belammari’s knee injury deals Al Ahly early-season setback

Al Ahly have confirmed that Morocco international Youssef Belammari has ruptured the cruciate ligament in his knee, dealing the club a significant blow before the start of the new season.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during Al Ahly’s friendly against Badalona in Spain earlier on the same day. Al Ahly won the match 3-0 as part of their pre-season training camp, but Belammari’s injury has overshadowed the result.

The diagnosis was confirmed after the player underwent medical examinations and magnetic resonance imaging scans in the hours following the match.

Dr Ahmed Gaballah, Al Ahly’s head of medical services, said on the club’s official website that the tests had established Belammari had sustained a cruciate ligament rupture.

The club has begun taking the necessary steps to manage the injury, with a date for surgery expected to be determined in the coming period.

Belammari is now certain to miss the beginning of Al Ahly’s campaign while he waits for the operation. His expected recovery time and a provisional return date will only become clearer after surgery.

The injury is a major setback for Al Ahly manager Hussein Ammouta, who is preparing the team for a new season in which the club are seeking to make up for their failures last term. Belammari had been regarded as an important member of the squad and his absence will reduce Ammouta’s options before competitive football begins.

Belammari joined Al Ahly from Raja during the January transfer window last year. He signed a three-year contract and has since made 12 appearances in all competitions.

His time at the club had included an increasing role within the squad, but the knee problem means he will now face a lengthy period of rehabilitation before he can return to training and match action.

Al Ahly are continuing their preparations in Spain ahead of the new season, although the club must now plan without the Morocco international for its opening fixtures. A precise timetable for his comeback will depend on the outcome of the operation and his subsequent recovery programme.