Youssef Belammari injury threatens entire 2026-27 campaign at Al Ahly

Youssef Belammari faces a potentially season-ending injury after Al Ahly confirmed the Morocco left-back has ruptured his cruciate ligaments.

The 27-year-old was hurt and taken off during Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Badalona, which Al Ahly won 3-0. The Cairo club said in a statement published on its official Facebook page that Belammari will undergo surgery.

A cruciate ligament injury of this nature can require between nine and 12 months of recovery. That would leave Belammari unavailable for virtually the whole of the 2026-27 season, before the campaign has even begun.

Belammari was part of the Morocco squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, although he did not make an appearance during the tournament. His injury now threatens to keep him out for a prolonged period at club level and represents a major setback after his recent move to Al Ahly.

The full-back joined Al Ahly in January from Raja Casablanca and remains under contract with the Cairo-based club until 2029. However, according to Africafoot, Al Ahly could consider reaching an amicable agreement to end his contract.

The proposed separation would allow the Egyptian club to free up a place for a non-domestic player in its squad. If that option is confirmed, Belammari would face the double blow of a lengthy rehabilitation period and uncertainty over his next club.

Al Ahly’s announcement came after the player was forced out of the friendly against Badalona. The match had otherwise ended positively for the Egyptian side, who secured a 3-0 victory, but Belammari’s injury has overshadowed the result.

There has been no indication of a more precise recovery timetable beyond the expected nine-to-12-month period, with surgery now required. The severity of the damage means his availability for the 2026-27 campaign is in serious doubt.

Belammari had arrived at Al Ahly only in January after leaving Raja Casablanca, where he had established himself as a left-sided defender. His contract was due to run until 2029, but the report of a possible negotiated departure could alter his immediate future.

For Morocco, the injury affects a player who was included in the squad for the country’s historic World Cup run, even though he did not play. For Al Ahly, it creates a problem at left-back and may also influence the club’s squad planning as it considers whether to release a non-domestic registration place.