Ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly have reportedly been dealt another blow.
Al Ahly's preparations for their highly anticipated CAF Champions League showdown with Orlando Pirates have seemingly taken another hit, with star player Omar Kamal said to be ruled out of the fixture.
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This comes as a significant blow to head coach Marcel Koller, who is understood to already be grappling with a mounting injury crisis and transfer frustrations.
Omar Kamal, a key figure in Al Ahly's squad, is believed to have been deemed unfit to participate in the match as he continues his rehabilitation from a recent injury.
Egyptian media personality Karim Ramzy revealed the news during a television appearance, revealing that Kamal's recovery remains incomplete.
"We learned from a reliable source within Al Ahly Club that Omar Kamal Abdel-Wahed is not ready to participate in the upcoming Orlando Pirates match," he stated per Dotalkhali.
"He is still working through his rehabilitation programme and will miss this crucial encounter. However, he could be available for matches after the Orlando game."
This development adds to Al Ahly's growing list of injury woes, which includes left-back Yahia Attiyat Allah, midfielder Karim Nedved, and attackers Karim Fouad, Reda Slim, and Taher Mohamed.
The squad's depth has seemingly been tested, leaving Koller with limited options ahead of the clash.
The situation has been further exacerbated by reports of dissatisfaction within the Al Ahly hierarchy over the club's lack of January transfer activity.
The decision not to secure reinforcements following the departure of Percy Tau is thought to have angered some board members and fans alike.
Koller has previously been vocal about the need to bring in new players to address the squad's shortcomings, particularly with key stars unavailable.
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With no new signings to bolster the squad so far this transfer window, the pressure will be on Koller to find solutions from within his ranks.