Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro stands firm on Emam Ashour fitness concerns

Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro has taken a firm stance as his team prepares for Saturday night’s clash with Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League.

The Spanish tactician rejected any pressure to rush midfielder Emam Ashour back into action, despite the player’s own desire to be included.

The Red Devils will move into a closed camp on Friday evening ahead of the big encounter at Al-Salam Stadium. A source told Kooora that team doctor Dr. Ahmed Gaballah shared details of his conversation with Ashour, who had expressed readiness to join the camp even in a limited capacity, hoping to boost his chances of making Egypt’s national team squad for next week’s training.

Gaballah explained that Ashour could feature under strict guidelines, but warned his shoulder injury might worsen with any physical contact. Riveiro supported the medical advice and ruled Ashour out of the squad.

The same decision affects Marwan Attia and Yassin Marei. Sources revealed that Egypt’s national team staff informed the trio their absence could jeopardize World Cup qualifier call-ups.