Al Ahly's Belamri returns but Trézéguet out as Enppi's Ismail predicts tight clash

Key facts

• Youssef Belamri returned to training after recovering from an adductor muscle tear.
• Trézéguet will miss the match after sustaining a laceration above his left knee requiring five stitches.
• Yasser Ibrahim resumed training after a severe bruise to his abdomen and ribs from the Pyramids match.
• Enppi sporting director Mohamed Ismail expects a 0–0 draw or a 1–0 defeat against Al Ahly.
• The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm at Cairo International Stadium in the sixth round of the decisive stage.
• Enppi aims to develop players for bigger clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids.

Lede: Al Ahly's injury-hit squad faces Enppi test

Al Ahly will take on Enppi at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening with a depleted squad, as key winger Trézéguet is ruled out due to a knee laceration, while defender Youssef Belamri returns from injury. The match, part of the sixth round of the Egyptian League's decisive stage, carries significant weight for both sides as the season enters its closing stretch. Enppi's sporting director, Mohamed Ismail, has set a cautious tone, predicting a tight contest that could end in a goalless draw or a narrow defeat for his team. The fixture pits the league's dominant force against a side that prides itself on being a dark horse.

Injury updates: Belamri back, Trézéguet out

Al Ahly's team doctor, Ahmed Gaballah, confirmed that Youssef Belamri has regained full physical readiness after recovering from an adductor muscle tear injury. Belamri participated in training, boosting the squad's defensive options. However, Trézéguet will be absent after sustaining a laceration above his left knee that required five stitches. Yasser Ibrahim, who suffered a severe bruise to his abdomen and ribs during the Pyramids match, has also returned to training. These updates leave coach Marcel Koller with selection decisions in attack and defense.

Enppi's cautious outlook and long-term vision

Mohamed Ismail acknowledged the challenge posed by Al Ahly, stating, 'I expect either a 0–0 draw or a 1–0 defeat against Al Ahly.' He emphasized that squad selection, including the involvement of players like Kahraba, rests with the technical staff, while anticipating Al Ahly will field their strongest available lineup. Ismail described Enppi as a 'dark horse' in the league, insisting the team operates without pressure. 'Our goal is to create players and help them move on to bigger clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids,' he said, pointing to the club's history of player development and sales abroad as evidence of a long-term strategy.

Match context and stakes

The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm at Cairo International Stadium, as part of the championship group stage. For Al Ahly, victory is crucial to maintain their title push, while Enppi aims to frustrate their more illustrious opponents and build on their growing reputation. Ismail dismissed speculation of tension between the clubs, stressing that cooperation remains strong despite social media chatter. The encounter comes amid a busy period in Egyptian football, with other league matches and continental competitions ongoing.

What comes next for both sides

Al Ahly will look to overcome key absences and secure three points to keep pace in the title race. Enppi, meanwhile, will aim to grind out a result that could boost their standing in the group stage. Beyond the match, Enppi's focus on player development continues, with Ismail highlighting the club's role as a stepping stone for talent. For Al Ahly, managing injuries will be critical as the season progresses.

The bottom line

• Youssef Belamri returns from an adductor tear, but Trézéguet is out with a knee laceration requiring five stitches.
• Enppi's Mohamed Ismail predicts a 0–0 draw or 1–0 defeat, reflecting a cautious approach.
• The match is at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday at 8 pm in the sixth round of the decisive stage.
• Enppi positions itself as a dark horse focused on player development rather than immediate results.
• Al Ahly's injury list includes Trézéguet, while Yasser Ibrahim has recovered from a bruise.