Ahly's defender Rami Rabiea (Photo: Bassam El-Zoghby)
Ahly defender Rami Rabiaa is undergoing knee surgery Thursday after he damaged cartilage tissue during Tuesday's 2-0 league win over Smouha.
Medical examination will determine the bench time the 19-year-old player can expect, though estimates say between three weeks and three months depending on the seriousness of the injury.
The Egyptian Under-20 national team backline leader may miss the U-20 World Cup finals in Turkey in June.
According to Ahram Sports, Rabiaa received calls from Ahly and Egypt teammates and technical staff members ahead of surgery.
Leading Egyptian Premier League Group A with 24 points, Ahly are hosting Tunisia's CA Bizertin in the second leg of the Champions League Round 16 Sunday as the away game ended with a goalless draw.
Without Rabiaa, the young Pharaohs will play two friendly games in May against Oman ahead of the prestigious world tournament.
Egypt, who won the African tournament last month defeating Ghana, will be in Group B, with England, Chile and Iraq.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)
Short link: