⚽ Yasser Ibrahim races against time
Al Ahly are working against the clock to get Yasser Ibrahim fit for the highly anticipated clash with Zamalek, with the defender’s availability still uncertain ahead of the Egyptian Premier League derby on October 11 at Cairo International Stadium.
Ibrahim continues to work through his rehabilitation program following his ankle ligament injury. The defender has entered an advanced stage of his recovery but has yet to return fully to group training. Al Ahly previously confirmed that Ibrahim and Ahmed Nabil Koka had entered a new phase of their rehabilitation and treatment programs under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
🔥 Yasser’s status remains uncertain
Despite the efforts to prepare him, Yasser Ibrahim’s availability for the derby remains unresolved. The latest updates suggest that his chances are currently below 50 percent, with the defender needing to return to full team training before the coaching staff can make a final decision.
Head coach Hussein Ammouta and his staff will monitor Ibrahim’s ability to handle full training loads, physical challenges and tactical drills before deciding whether he can be trusted in a match of the intensity of the Cairo derby.
His return to group training several days before the match would be a key indicator of whether he can realistically make the squad, while the medical team continues working to restore his fitness without risking a recurrence of the injury.
⭐ Hady Riyad and Yassin Marei among the alternatives
With Ibrahim’s situation still unclear, Al Ahly have begun preparing alternative defensive combinations. Hady Riyad and Yassin Marei have emerged as leading options to start in central defense should Ibrahim fail to recover in time.
The coaching staff are therefore focused on finding the most balanced defensive pairing, particularly given the unique pressure surrounding the derby and the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the full 90 minutes.
📢 Koka nears return while El Debes is ruled out
Yasser Ibrahim is not the only Al Ahly player whose fitness is being monitored. Ahmed Nabil Koka is now close to returning to group training after making significant progress in his rehabilitation program.
Meanwhile, Karim El Debes has been ruled out of the derby, with the latest reports indicating that he will not be available for the October 11 fixture. His absence removes another option from Al Ahly’s defensive setup ahead of the major clash.
🏆 Petro Asyut provides chance to assess alternatives
Al Ahly’s upcoming Petro Asyut match in the Egypt Capital Cup could provide Ammouta with an important opportunity to give other players competitive minutes and assess his available defensive options before the derby.
The fixture takes on added importance as the coaching staff continue to deal with uncertainty surrounding Ibrahim and determine which players are best prepared to face Zamalek.
🔥 Final decision on Yasser still to come
With the derby getting closer, Yasser Ibrahim’s fitness has become one of the biggest questions surrounding Al Ahly’s preparations.
A return to full team training in time could keep the defender in contention, while continued absence would force Ammouta to rely on alternative defensive options.
The final decision will ultimately depend on whether Ibrahim reaches the required level of fitness, with Al Ahly unlikely to risk the player unless the medical and technical staff are satisfied that he can compete safely.
Al Ahly and Zamalek are scheduled to meet on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Cairo International Stadium in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.
Do you expect Yasser Ibrahim to recover in time, or should Al Ahly start the derby with Hady Riyad and Yassin Marei? Share your prediction.
