Al Ahly defender Youssef Belamri travels to Austria for surgery

Al Ahly defender Youssef Belamri is expected to arrive in Austria on Thursday from Spain for his surgery after picking up a cruciate ligament injury.

The Moroccan defender did not return to Cairo with the rest of the Al Ahly squad following the closure of their pre-season training camp in Spain.

Belamri left Spain separately and travelled directly to Austria, where he is expected to undergo the required operation as part of the club’s plans for his treatment and rehabilitation.

According to reports, Belamri’s trip to Austria was arranged specifically to allow him to begin treatment as soon as possible following the serious knee injury he suffered during Al Ahly’s friendly match against Badalona.

The injury represents a major setback for Belamri, who had been involved in Al Ahly’s preparations ahead of the new season. His absence will also provide a challenge for the Egyptian giants as they continue to prepare for their upcoming competitive fixtures.

Belamri will now undergo surgery before beginning what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation programme. The defender’s return date will depend on the outcome of the operation and his progress during the various stages of recovery.

The Moroccan was part of the Al Ahly delegation that travelled to Spain for the club’s training camp, which also included a high-profile Joan Gamper Cup meeting with Barcelona. Al Ahly lost the friendly 2-1 to the Spanish champions.

However, Belamri was unable to travel back to Egypt with his teammates after the conclusion of the camp because of the need to begin his treatment in Austria.

The immediate priority for the defender will be to successfully complete the surgery and follow the rehabilitation programme designed by the medical team.

Al Ahly will meanwhile continue monitoring his recovery while preparing for the new season, with the club expected to assess its defensive options during his absence.

For Belamri, the focus is now firmly on recovery as he begins the difficult process of returning to full fitness and eventually making his comeback to competitive football.