Al Ahly striker Wissam Abu Ali faces a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Egyptian Premier League play-off clash after suffering a new ankle injury.
The Palestinian forward, who had only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines, sustained the setback in the lead-up to Al Ahly’s crucial encounter against the National Bank of Egypt.
The injury casts doubt over his availability for the match scheduled for Saturday, which could prove decisive in the Cairo giants’ campaign to retain their league crown.
According to Egyptian media sources, Abu Ali is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan on Friday to assess the extent of the damage.
The results of the scan will determine whether the 24-year-old will be cleared to feature in the decisive fixture.
The timing of the injury is a major concern for Al Ahly, who currently lead the play-off standings and are within striking distance of clinching the title.
With only two games remaining, every point is vital, and the absence of a key attacking figure could complicate coach Emad El-Nahhas’s tactical plans.
His potential unavailability presents a significant challenge for El-Nahhas, who has relied on Abu Ali’s presence to spearhead the attack.
The striker’s return had been seen as a boost to Al Ahly’s ambitions in the business end of the season, but this latest setback threatens to derail that momentum.
“The injury is a concern, and the medical team is closely monitoring his condition,” a club source told local outlets.
“We’ll have a clearer picture after the scan, but his participation on Saturday remains uncertain.”
Al Ahly are set to face the National Bank of Egypt at 17:00 GMT on Saturday, with pressure mounting as the club attempts to close out another successful domestic campaign.
The Red Devils have held a slim lead at the top and are determined not to slip at the final hurdle.
With the title race heating up, Abu Ali’s fitness could be pivotal.
For now, the club and its supporters will await Friday’s medical update, hoping their striker can recover in time to play a role in the season’s climax.
