Emam Ashour is preparing to rejoin Al Ahly training amid growing speculation over his recent absence, with sources close to the midfielder insisting his trip to Saudi Arabia was strictly for religious purposes rather than commercial engagements.
The Egyptian international is expected to report to the club’s training base in Gezira following the completion of a short leave granted to allow him to perform Umrah.
The 27-year-old has been serving a disciplinary sanction handed down by Al Ahly after he failed to travel with the squad to Tanzania for their CAF Champions League group-stage clash against Young Africans.
Part of the punishment required Ashour to undergo an individual training programme lasting two weeks, which is scheduled to conclude this week.
Religious trip sparks controversy
Ashour had initially been granted leave alongside his teammates following their Champions League fixture against JS Kabylie in Algeria. However, he later secured an additional 24-hour extension after seeking permission from football director Walid Salah El-Din, who reportedly consulted head coach Jess Thorup before approving the request.
The extension triggered widespread speculation that the midfielder had used the opportunity to film an episode for actor Ramy Galal’s popular Ramadan prank show.
Reports suggested that the alleged appearance would have earned Ashour a significant financial reward, potentially exceeding the 1.5 million Egyptian pounds fine imposed by Al Ahly as part of his disciplinary measures.
Those claims have since been strongly dismissed by individuals close to the player, who insist his stay in Saudi Arabia was solely devoted to performing religious rites.
Determined to regain his place
According to sources, Ashour spent the entirety of his time in Mecca focusing on worship, with no involvement in television or commercial activities. The midfielder has also chosen to ignore the speculation, maintaining his focus on fulfilling the club’s disciplinary directives and rebuilding his standing within the team.
Ashour’s recent struggles have come at a critical stage of the season, with Al Ahly competing for major honours both domestically and on the continent. The club remains firmly in contention for the Egyptian Premier League title while also pursuing another CAF Champions League triumph.
Despite the distractions surrounding his absence, Ashour is said to be fully committed to regaining peak fitness and reclaiming his role in the starting lineup. His return could provide a timely boost for the Cairo giants as they enter a decisive stretch of the campaign, where squad depth and player form are expected to play a crucial role in determining their success.
