Swiss Ahly coach Rene Weiler has revealed his mixed feelings about his team’s recent victory against Aswan, during which he was forced to substitute three essential players due to injury.

The Reds defeated Aswan 3-0 on the 20th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Monday. Aliou Badji, Geraldo and Walid Soliman scored the goals.

“I’m happy because of the result, but I’m deeply sad about the injuries,” Weiler said during the post-match press conference.

“We played pretty well during the first 15 minutes, scoring the first goal, and then we were hit by critical injuries,” he said.

The team’s centre back Mahmoud Metwalli suffered an injury in his knee in the 19th minute of the game, which prevented him from continuing and he was substituted four minutes later. There have been local reports saying that Metwalli is suffering from a crucial ligament injury.

Ahly winger Ahmed El-Sheikh suffered from a foot injury shortly before the end of the first half and was substituted immediately, while the Angolan winger Geraldo complained of a muscle strain and was substituted during the break.

Weiler commented on the large number of injured players, saying, “This is a normal thing in the world of football.”

“Any joint interception might cause an injury, even during trainings, it happens in football,” the 47-year-old coach explained.

Ahly are scheduled to face arch-rivals Zamalek on 22 August, and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic in the African Champions League semis next month.

“The injuries confused our plans, especially since we don’t have enough wingers, which will force us to change our strategies,” said Weiler.

“I won’t reveal who’s going to play against Zamalek, but any player who will be ready both physically and mentally will have the opportunity to participate.

“We will wait and see if Geraldo and El-Sheikh will be able to play, and if not, we will find another strategy to use against Zamalek,” he concluded.

The victory extends Ahly's unbeaten run this season as they claimed their 18th victory in 20 games, bringing back a sense of calm to the Red Devils, who had a frustrating week.

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