Monsef Bekrar set to join Al Ahly training before Zamalek derby

Al Ahly will begin preparations on Friday for their eagerly awaited Egyptian Premier League meeting with Zamalek, with Monsef Bekrar expected to return to training after completing his international duty with Algeria.

The two Cairo clubs will meet at Cairo Stadium on Sunday, 11 October, in the sixth round of the league season.

Bekrar is due to arrive in Cairo within hours and will join his Al Ahly team-mates for Friday’s session, according to information obtained by FilGoal.com. His return will allow him to take part in the squad’s preparations for one of the season’s most important fixtures.

The Algeria international was involved in his country’s recent matches. Algeria beat Zambia 3-1 before drawing 2-2 away to Burundi in the opening two rounds of the African qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. They then defeated Niger 2-1 in a friendly.

Bekrar started Algeria’s match against Niger, while he came on as a substitute against Burundi.

Al Ahly football director Wael Gomaa has also confirmed when the team will begin its pre-match camp.

“Al Ahly will enter a closed camp 48 hours before the derby,” Gomaa told FilGoal.com.

The announcement comes as both clubs continue their preparations after matches in the Egypt Capital Cup. Al Ahly opened their campaign with a 5-0 victory over Petrol Asyut in the first round.

Zamalek’s youth team, meanwhile, suffered a 3-0 defeat by ZED.

Al Ahly and Zamalek are level on 13 points in the Egyptian Premier League, although Zamalek occupy the higher position because of their superior goal difference.

Pyramids lead the table on 15 points.