Al-Ahly's Belamri Returns to Training as Trézéguet Ruled Out for ENPPI Clash

Key facts

• Youssef Belamri returned to training after recovering from an adductor muscle tear.
• Trézéguet sustained a laceration above his left knee requiring five stitches and will miss the match.
• Yasser Ibrahim recovered from a severe bruise to his abdomen and ribs sustained against Pyramids.
• Al-Ahly faces ENPPI on Tuesday evening at Cairo International Stadium.
• The match is part of the sixth round of the decisive stage of the Egyptian League.
• ENPPI's sporting director anticipates a draw or defeat against Al-Ahly.

Belamri Returns, Trézéguet Sidelined

Al-Ahly's medical team has cleared defender Youssef Belamri for full training after he recovered from an adductor muscle tear that kept him out of recent fixtures. Club doctor Ahmed Gaballah confirmed the development on the official website, stating that Belamri participated in the session without restrictions. However, the team will be without winger Mahmoud Trézéguet for Tuesday's crucial league encounter against ENPPI. Gaballah revealed that Trézéguet suffered a laceration above his left knee that required five stitches, ruling him out of the match.

Yasser Ibrahim Also Back in Contention

Defender Yasser Ibrahim has also returned to training after recovering from a severe bruise to his abdomen and ribs. The injury occurred during Al-Ahly's previous league match against Pyramids, raising concerns about his availability for the ENPPI fixture. Gaballah confirmed that Ibrahim is now fit and has rejoined the squad, providing manager Marcel Koller with additional defensive options. The return of both Belamri and Ibrahim bolsters a backline that will need to be sharp against an ENPPI side expected to adopt a defensive posture.

ENPPI's Sporting Director Predicts Tough Outcome

ENPPI's sporting director has publicly anticipated a difficult result for his team, forecasting either a draw or a defeat against the defending champions. Speaking ahead of the match, he acknowledged the quality gap between the sides but expressed hope that his players could frustrate Al-Ahly. The admission underscores the psychological dynamics at play: ENPPI enters as clear underdogs, while Al-Ahly, despite key absences, remains heavy favorites. The match will test whether Al-Ahly's depth can compensate for the loss of Trézéguet's attacking threat.

Match Details and Stakes

The sixth-round fixture of the Egyptian League's decisive stage is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Cairo International Stadium. Al-Ahly currently sit near the top of the table, and a win would solidify their position in the title race. ENPPI, meanwhile, are fighting to avoid relegation and will look to exploit any complacency from the hosts. The match also carries significance for individual players like Belamri, who will be eager to prove his fitness after injury, and for the coaching staff, who must manage the squad's workload amid a congested fixture list.

Injury Management and Squad Rotation

The return of Belamri and Ibrahim gives Koller more flexibility in defense, but the absence of Trézéguet leaves a creative void on the left flank. The winger has been a key contributor this season, and his replacement will need to step up. Al-Ahly's medical department has been under scrutiny after a series of muscle injuries, but Gaballah's updates suggest the team is managing recovery protocols effectively. The club will hope that no further setbacks occur as the season enters its decisive phase.

Outlook for the Title Race

With several matches remaining in the decisive stage, every point matters for Al-Ahly as they pursue another league title. The ENPPI game is a must-win, especially with rivals also dropping points. ENPPI's sporting director's pessimistic forecast may be a tactical ploy to lower expectations, but it also reflects the reality of the gap between the two sides. Al-Ahly will be expected to dominate possession and create chances, though they must remain vigilant against counterattacks.

The bottom line

• Youssef Belamri has fully recovered from an adductor tear and is available for selection.
• Mahmoud Trézéguet will miss the ENPPI match due to a knee laceration requiring five stitches.
• Yasser Ibrahim is fit after a severe bruise to his abdomen and ribs.
• Al-Ahly faces ENPPI on Tuesday at Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian League's sixth round of the decisive stage.
• ENPPI's sporting director anticipates a draw or defeat for his team.
• The match is critical for Al-Ahly's title ambitions and ENPPI's survival hopes.