Al Ahly have moved to calm speculation around Moroccan defender Youssef Belamri after his surprise omission from the squad to face National Bank of Egypt in the Egyptian Premier League.
The club issued an official statement explaining that Belamri’s absence is due purely to fitness concerns, as he has been away from regular competitive action for an extended period before joining the team.
Team doctor Ahmed Gaballah also addressed the situation of defender Yasser Ibrahim, confirming that his exclusion is a precautionary measure agreed with the coaching staff to avoid any risk of aggravating his issue.
He added that Ibrahim completed rehabilitation work today and will be re-evaluated after the match to set a date for his full return, stressing that “his condition is reassuring and not a cause for concern.”
Head coach Jess Thorup held a private meeting with Belamri to outline his view, reiterating that the defender’s omission is strictly for physical and tactical reasons, with a plan to integrate him into upcoming fixtures.
Thorup expressed full confidence in Belamri’s abilities, which he said were key in the decision to sign him and register him in the club’s African squad.
Al Ahly currently sit third in the league on 26 points, while National Bank of Egypt are ninth with 20 points.
