⚽ Shobeir reveals Al Ahly injury situation
Former Al Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir has revealed the latest updates on Al Ahly’s injured players ahead of the highly anticipated Zamalek derby, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.
Shobeir explained that the three players have reached different stages in their recovery. Ahmed Nabil Koka is close to returning to full team training, Karim El Debes is out of the derby, while Yasser Ibrahim remains doubtful.
🔥 Koka nearing return as El Debes is ruled out
Shobeir confirmed that Ahmed Nabil Koka has made significant progress in his rehabilitation and is now close to returning to group training.
His potential return would provide Al Ahly with another option ahead of the derby, especially as the coaching staff continue preparing the squad after the international break.
Karim El Debes, however, will not be available for the match, with Shobeir stating that the left-back is effectively ruled out of the clash with Zamalek.
📢 Yasser Ibrahim remains the biggest question mark
Yasser Ibrahim’s situation remains the most uncertain of the three players.
The defender has started running as part of his rehabilitation program but has not yet returned to full football training.
Shobeir explained that Ibrahim is currently running without football boots, indicating that he has not yet reached the stage of normal team training and physical challenges.
The former goalkeeper also pointed out that Ibrahim is the type of player who could push himself to return if the team desperately needs him, but his fitness remains the key factor.
⭐ Yasser’s chances currently below 50 percent
Shobeir estimated that Yasser Ibrahim’s chances of playing in the derby are currently below 50 percent, particularly because he has yet to return to full group training.
The defender would need to rejoin team training several days before the match to give the coaching staff enough confidence in his physical condition. Returning to group training only one day before kickoff may not be sufficient for him to be selected.
🛡️ Hady Riyad and Yassin Marei in contention
If Ibrahim is unable to recover in time, Shobeir believes the most likely scenario is for Al Ahly to rely on Hady Riyad and Yassin Marei in central defense.
Head coach Hussein Ammouta is therefore preparing alternative defensive combinations while monitoring Ibrahim’s progress, especially because a match of the magnitude of the Cairo derby requires players to be fully prepared physically and tactically.
🏆 Al Ahly vs Zamalek: Derby No. 133
Al Ahly and Zamalek will meet on Sunday, October 11, at Cairo International Stadium in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League, in what is being billed as the 133rd league derby between the two clubs.
The match comes after an international break of around 24 days and represents an important return to league action for both sides.
Their most recent league meeting on May 1 ended with a 3-0 victory for Al Ahly, adding another layer of importance to the upcoming confrontation.
📺 On Sport to broadcast the derby
On Sport is set to broadcast the Al Ahly-Zamalek clash, with an analytical studio featuring a number of Egyptian football personalities and experts.
With Koka approaching a comeback, El Debes confirmed to be unavailable and Yasser Ibrahim still doubtful, Al Ahly’s defensive setup will remain one of the biggest talking points in the build-up to the derby.
Do you expect Yasser Ibrahim to recover in time, or should Al Ahly start Hady Riyad alongside Yassin Marei? Share your prediction.
