Al Ahly Face Enppi Without Trézéguet as Belamri Returns from Injury

Key facts

• Match scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm at Cairo International Stadium.
• Trézéguet out with a five-stitch laceration above his left knee.
• Youssef Belamri returns to training after adductor muscle tear.
• Yasser Ibrahim recovers from severe bruise to abdomen and ribs.
• Enppi sporting director Mohamed Ismail predicts 0-0 draw or 1-0 defeat.
• Enppi described as a 'dark horse' focused on player development.
• Fixture is part of the sixth round of the decisive stage of the Egyptian League.

Injury Updates Shape Al Ahly’s Lineup

Al Ahly's team doctor Ahmed Gaballah confirmed that Youssef Belamri has regained full physical readiness after recovering from an adductor muscle tear that sidelined him recently. The defender participated in training and is available for selection. However, the club will be without winger Trézéguet, who sustained a laceration above his left knee requiring five stitches. Gaballah stated that Trézéguet will miss the match against Enppi. Meanwhile, Yasser Ibrahim has recovered from a severe bruise to his abdomen and ribs, which he suffered during the Pyramids match in the league.

Enppi’s Cautious Predictions

Enppi sporting director Mohamed Ismail set a cautious tone ahead of the showdown, predicting a closely fought encounter. He admitted expectations are modest, suggesting his side could either grind out a draw or narrowly lose. “I expect either a 0–0 draw or a 1–0 defeat against Al Ahly,” he said, highlighting the challenge posed by the reigning giants. Ismail added that squad selection decisions, including the involvement of key players such as Kahraba, remain with the technical staff. He anticipates that Al Ahly will rely on their strongest available lineup despite the injuries.

Enppi’s Ambition as a ‘Dark Horse’

Despite the tough outlook, Ismail was keen to underline Enppi’s growing reputation. He described the club as a “dark horse” in the league, insisting that his players operate without pressure and are focused on development and exposure rather than results alone. “Our goal is to create players and help them move on to bigger clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids,” he explained, referencing Zamalek SC and Pyramids FC as part of the natural career pathway for emerging talent. He also pointed to Enppi’s history of player development and sales abroad as evidence of the club’s long-term strategy, noting that the focus is on both domestic growth and international opportunities.

Cooperation Between Clubs Remains Strong

On relations with Al Ahly, Ismail dismissed speculation of tension, stressing that cooperation between the clubs remains strong despite social media chatter. The match, scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm in the championship group stage, sees Enppi take on league heavyweights Al Ahly in a fixture that could influence the closing stretch of the season. As the match approaches, Enppi will aim to frustrate their more illustrious opponents once again, while Al Ahly continue their push in the title race.

What’s at Stake in the Title Race

The fixture is part of the sixth round of the decisive stage of the Egyptian League, and a win for Al Ahly would solidify their position at the top. Enppi, meanwhile, seek to upset the odds and boost their own standing. Ismail’s prediction of a narrow defeat or draw reflects the gap in resources but also Enppi’s resilience. With key players returning from injury for Al Ahly, the team will look to overcome the absence of Trézéguet. The match promises to be a tactical battle as both sides aim for their respective objectives.

The bottom line

• Al Ahly face Enppi without Trézéguet due to a knee laceration; Belamri returns from adductor injury.
• Enppi’s sporting director predicts a 0-0 draw or 1-0 defeat, emphasizing his team’s underdog role.
• Enppi positions itself as a 'dark horse' focused on player development and future transfers.
• Cooperation between Al Ahly and Enppi remains strong despite online speculation.
• The match is part of the decisive stage of the Egyptian League, with title implications for Al Ahly.