Al Ahly midfielder Ahmed Nabil Kouka set for lengthy lay-off after injury setback

Al Ahly have confirmed that midfielder Ahmed Nabil Kouka is facing a spell on the sidelines after medical examinations revealed a second-degree strain in his lower left hamstring.

The Egyptian giants provided the injury update after Kouka underwent an MRI scan to determine the extent of the problem he recently sustained.

Al Ahly’s head of medical staff, Dr Ahmed Gaballah, confirmed that the scan showed a second-degree strain in the lower part of Kouka’s left hamstring.

“The MRI scan revealed that Ahmed Nabil Kouka suffered a second-degree strain in the lower left hamstring,” Gaballah said.

The 25-year-old will now begin a rehabilitation programme as Al Ahly’s medical team works to guide him through his recovery.

According to the club, Kouka will undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation in the coming period, with his return date dependent on how he responds to treatment and the progress he makes during the recovery process.

The injury is expected to keep the midfielder out for several weeks, with initial estimates putting his potential absence between three and six weeks.

However, Al Ahly are yet to confirm a definitive recovery timeframe, with the medical team expected to continue monitoring the player’s condition before determining when he can safely return to competitive action.

Kouka’s absence could come as a setback for Al Ahly, particularly with the team facing a busy period of domestic competition.

If his recovery follows the expected timeline, the midfielder’s earliest possible return could come after the next international break, which is scheduled to end on October 11.

That would put the Egyptian league clash against Zamalek in the sixth round among the possible fixtures for his comeback, although his availability will ultimately depend on his rehabilitation progress and medical clearance.

Al Ahly will be keen to avoid rushing Kouka back into action, especially given the risk of aggravating a hamstring injury if the player returns before he has fully recovered.

For now, the midfielder’s focus will be on completing his rehabilitation programme, while Al Ahly’s medical team continues to assess his progress before determining when he can resume full training and matches.