Al Ahly explains Mohamed El-Shenawy’s exclusion from Aigle Noir match

Al Ahly’s football director Walid Salah El-Din clarified that goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy’s absence from Saturday’s CAF Champions League clash with Aigle Noir stems from severe fatigue combined with a cold.

The technical staff opted to give El-Shenawy necessary rest to ensure full recovery ahead of upcoming fixtures.​

Regarding midfielder Emam Ashour, the club confirmed he’s undergoing fresh blood tests to determine his readiness for group training. Ashour has been sidelined after testing positive for virus A, spending time isolated at the hospital before recovering at home.

According to Kooora, viral levels in Ashour’s blood declined from 1,000 degrees to approximately 200 degrees, significant improvement, though progress stalled causing concern. Recently, levels dropped further to around 160 degrees, moving toward the normal threshold of 50 degrees. The source refuted rumors of health deterioration, noting his recent hospitalization was purely precautionary. Even upon full recovery, Ashour requires gradual rehabilitation since physical activity was restricted throughout the past month.

Manager Jess Thorup plans limited tactical adjustments, introducing only three changes rather than wholesale lineup modifications, balancing Wednesday’s crucial Petro Jet encounter requiring player rotation.