
File Photo: Ahly's midfielder Emam Ashour in action during the Match with Gouna. Photo courtesy of Emam Ashour Instagram account.
This match arrives amidst a string of setbacks for Ahly, with several of the team's key players sidelined due to injuries.
Currently perched atop the Egyptian Premier League table with 15 points, Ahly will need to navigate this fixture without the services of a significant number of their key players.
In contrast, Gouna find themselves languishing in 17th place, the relegation zone, with six points after seven games this season.
Ahly’s Swiss coach Marcel Koller faces a selection dilemma with an increasing list of absentees, both through injuries and transfers.
The Red Devils will notably be without Moroccan defenders Yahya Attiat-Allah, Achraf Dari, alongside midfielder Marwan Attia due to various fitness concerns.
Further compounding their woes, the absence of winger Taher Mohamed Taher hasn't still recovered from a muscle strain in addition to long-term absentees Ali Maaloul, Karim Fouad and Moroccan winger Reda Slim.
South African forward Percy Tau has departed for Qatar SC, adding to Ahly's woes.
That leaves Koller with Hussein El Shahat as the only viable option on the flank.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali and right-back Omar Kamal are poised to be rested as they are still struggling with fitness issues.
"Ahly are grappling with challenging circumstances due to the mounting injury toll. The players are exerting themselves amidst a demanding schedule, coupled with frequent travels outside Egypt," Marcel Koller candidly shared with the press.
"We opt to provide Abou Ali with a breather for the Gouna fixture, although the coach retains the prerogative to include him if necessary," Dr. Ahmed Gab Allah of Ahly's medical team emphasized.
Kamal, on the other hand, is set to miss the Gouna clash but will be ready to feature against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League, as confirmed by the club's medical staff.
Despite a mixed bag of results this season, including a solitary victory, three losses, and three draws, Gouna is determined to reverse their fortunes against the formidable Ahly outfit, aiming to scale the league standings with a statement victory.
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