“Defender Yasser Ibrahim, midfielder Percy Tau, midfielder Luis Miquissone, winger Ahmed Nabil Kouka and midfielder Ahmed Abdul-Kader all tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday,” Ahly’s doctor Ahmed Abu-Abla was quoted as saying by the club’s official website.

“The five players are under continuous supervision as they already started the treatment program,” the doctor added.

Ahly is currently preparing for Thursday’s game against Gouna in the first round of the first ever edition of the EFA Cup.

The Egyptian Premier League is currently on halt as the African Cup of Nations is due to start today in Cameroon with the participation of Egypt’s national team.

Ahly is already missing nine players for international duty, and having the five players pick up coronavirus makes the situation more difficult for coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the Gouna game.

The Reds currently lead the domestic league table with 19 points from seven games, with one game still in hand.