Al Ahly confirm ACL injury for Morocco defender Youssef Belamri

Al Ahly SC of Egypt have confirmed that Moroccan international Youssef Belamri has suffered a serious knee injury after medical examinations and an MRI scan revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The Egyptian giants announced the injury following further assessments carried out by the club’s medical team, raising concerns over the defender’s availability ahead of the new season.

Al Ahly’s head of medical staff, Ahmed Gaballah, confirmed that the examinations and MRI scan had established the extent of the injury.

Speaking to the club’s official media centre, Gaballah explained that Belamri’s scans showed damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, an injury that is expected to require surgical intervention and a lengthy rehabilitation period.

The medical team is currently working to determine the appropriate date for the Moroccan international to undergo surgery.

Once the operation has been completed, Belamri will begin the various stages of his recovery programme, including treatment, rehabilitation and a gradual return to football-related activities.

The injury is a major setback for the player, who sustained the problem during Al Ahly’s ongoing pre-season training camp in Spain.

Belamri picked up the injury as the Egyptian club continued preparations for the upcoming campaign under the guidance of their head coach.

The training camp in Spain forms part of Al Ahly’s preparations as the club works to build fitness, sharpen tactical organisation and assess the squad ahead of the new season.

The Moroccan defender’s injury, however, has disrupted those preparations and could keep him out for a significant period, depending on the outcome of the surgery and the progress of his rehabilitation.

ACL injuries are among the most serious setbacks a footballer can suffer, often requiring surgery followed by several months of rehabilitation before a player can return to competitive action.

For Al Ahly, Belamri’s absence could force the club’s technical staff to reassess their options at left-back, particularly as the team prepares for a demanding season across domestic and continental competitions.

The Moroccan international had been expected to be part of the squad’s preparations for the new campaign, making the timing of the injury particularly frustrating for both the player and the club.

Al Ahly’s medical department will now oversee the next stages of Belamri’s recovery, with the immediate priority being to ensure that the defender receives the necessary treatment before beginning his rehabilitation programme.

The club has yet to provide a definitive timeframe for his return, as this will depend largely on the outcome of the surgery and his response to rehabilitation.

For Belamri, the focus will now shift from preparations for the new season to recovering fully from the injury and returning to action as soon as it is medically safe to do so.

Al Ahly are expected to continue monitoring his condition closely and provide further updates once the surgery has been scheduled and completed.

The injury represents an unfortunate blow to the Moroccan international at the start of the new campaign, while Al Ahly will have to manage his absence as they continue their preparations for the season ahead.