Al Ahly has revealed the reason behind Imam Ashour’s absence from the friendly against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy, explaining that the midfielder had not yet reached the level of fitness required to take part in such a demanding match.
Ashour has continued to miss Al Ahly’s pre-season friendlies despite recently returning to ball training following a lengthy absence caused by injury.
Why Did Imam Ashour Miss the Barcelona Match?
Imam Ashour was left out because he had not yet reached full technical and physical readiness.
The midfielder had only recently resumed ball work, and the coaching staff preferred not to rush him into a high-intensity game against Barcelona before completing his return process.
When Did Imam Ashour Return to Ball Training?
Ashour recently returned to ball training with Al Ahly after a lengthy absence following the injury he suffered while playing for Egypt against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
His return marks an important step in his recovery, but he still needs time to regain full match fitness.
Imam Ashour Had Only Two Ball-Training Sessions
According to the information surrounding the player’s situation, Ashour completed only two ball-training sessions before the Barcelona match, on Monday and Tuesday.
That limited preparation made it difficult for him to be considered ready for a competitive fixture against a team of Barcelona’s level.
Why Didn’t Al Ahly Risk Imam Ashour?
The coaching staff preferred a gradual return rather than taking unnecessary risks with the midfielder after his extended absence.
A premature return could increase physical stress and potentially expose him to another setback, making a controlled comeback the preferred approach.
When Was Imam Ashour Injured?
Imam Ashour suffered his injury on July 7, 2026, during Egypt’s World Cup match against Argentina.
He was unable to complete the game and left the field early in the second half.
Is Imam Ashour Close to Returning to Matches?
His return to ball training is a positive step, but his participation in official matches depends on his physical and technical readiness.
The coaching staff is expected to continue monitoring his progress before deciding when he can safely return to competitive action.
Al Ahly Prepares for Its Egyptian League Opener
Al Ahly is preparing to begin its 2026-2027 Egyptian Premier League campaign against Eastern Enppi in the opening round.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, following the club’s pre-season camp and friendly fixtures.
Could Imam Ashour Play Against Eastern Enppi?
Ashour’s availability will depend on his level of fitness during the final training sessions before the league opener.
Since he had only recently returned to ball work before the Barcelona friendly, the coaching staff is expected to assess his condition carefully before making the final decision.
Al Ahly Concludes Its Spain Training Camp
Al Ahly concluded its overseas training camp in Spain after playing several friendlies, including the high-profile Joan Gamper Trophy match against Barcelona.
Barcelona won the match 2-1, bringing Al Ahly’s Spanish preparation stage to a close.
The team is now returning to Egypt to complete its preparations for the start of the new season, while Ashour continues his individual return process.
Conclusion: Why Did Imam Ashour Miss Barcelona?
Imam Ashour missed Al Ahly’s friendly against Barcelona because he had not yet reached full fitness after recently returning to ball training.
He had completed only two ball-training sessions before the match following his long absence caused by the injury he suffered with Egypt against Argentina.
With Al Ahly set to open its league campaign against Eastern Enppi on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Ashour’s participation will depend on whether he reaches the necessary level of readiness in the coming training sessions.
Why did Imam Ashour miss the Barcelona friendly?
He had not yet reached full technical and physical fitness after recently returning to ball training.
How many ball-training sessions did Imam Ashour complete before Barcelona?
He completed only two ball-training sessions before the match.
When was Imam Ashour injured?
He was injured on July 7, 2026, during Egypt’s World Cup match against Argentina.
When does Al Ahly begin the Egyptian league?
Al Ahly opens its 2026-2027 league campaign against Eastern Enppi on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Will Imam Ashour play against Eastern Enppi?
His participation has not been definitively confirmed and will depend on his fitness and readiness before the match.
