Al Ahly SC confirmed on Sunday, June 15, that midfielder Emam Ashour will miss the remainder of the 2025 Club World Cup due to a fractured collarbone. The 27-year-old suffered the injury during the team’s opening Group A match against Inter Miami at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which ended in a 0–0 draw.
Ashour initially fell awkwardly on his shoulder early in the match, receiving first aid by the sidelines. He briefly returned, even pivotal enough to miss a scoring opportunity—but had to be substituted in the 14th minute, visibly distraught, in tears on the pitch. He was replaced by Ahmed Sayed (known as “Zizo”).
Diagnosis and Medical Update
Medical tests at a local Miami hospital confirmed a broken collarbone, as reported by Al Ahly’s chief doctor, Ahmed Gaballah, via the club’s official account on X (formerly Twitter). The injury, a recurrence of a shoulder issue dating to his international duties in 2024, will sideline Ashour for the duration of the tournament.
There is anticipation of surgical intervention; one source noted the midfielder is expected to undergo an operation imminently, effectively ending his Club World Cup campaign.
Ashour’s Role and Impact at Al Ahly
As a dynamic midfielder who doubles as a playmaking winger, Ashour has been instrumental in Al Ahly’s recent form. He is the Egyptian Premier League’s current top scorer for 2024–25, with 25 goals in 71 league appearances since joining the side in mid‑2023 ⎯ a testament to his offensive quality. Notably, he secured a hat‑trick in January during a CAF Champions League fixture against Stade d’Abidjan.
He played a key role in Al Ahly securing their 45th Egyptian Premier League title in May and helped guide the club to CAF Champions League success.
Implications for Al Ahly in Club World Cup
Ashour’s premature exit is a major blow to the Egyptian champions. He had begun the Club World Cup as a vital creative force against Inter Miami, helping Al Ahly dominate possession in the first half. Losing their top scorer and midfield fulcrum could undermine their chances against upcoming high‑calibre opponents, namely Palmeiras and FC Porto.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami secured a defensive stalemate, held together by Oscar Ustari’s standout performance, including a penalty save and key interventions.
Coach’s Response and Squad Adjustments
Al Ahly coach José Riveiro, who took over after Marcel Koller’s departure, will now need to rework midfield dynamics in Ashour’s absence. Strategies may pivot toward a more defensive setup or shifts in personnel, altering the tactical balance that relied significantly on Ashour’s creativity and attacking impetus.
The team faces challenges in adapting its playing style, deploying alternatives—likely rotating Zizo into midfield roles or adjusting formation—to maintain competitiveness in the group.
Tournament Outlook: Group A Context
Al Ahly draws first blood with a point against Inter Miami, but losing a player of Ashour’s calibre may have lasting impact. With upcoming fixtures vs. Palmeiras in New York and FC Porto in Atlanta, the group’s second qualifying slot remains fiercely contested.
Inter Miami will take confidence from their draw and move forward to face Porto on Thursday, while Al Ahly continues rebuilding without Ashour .
Ashour’s Injury and Career Recap
Born on February 20, 1998, in Dakahlia, Egypt, Emam Ashour began his career at Ghazl El Mahalla before playing for Zamalek and Danish side Midtjylland. He joined Al Ahly in July 2023, making an immediate impact. Since then, he’s featured in nearly 70 games, scored 25 times, and asserted himself as a key player. His 2024/25 form earned him recognition as the Premier League’s top scorer, while he helped secure domestic and continental honours for Al Ahly.
He also accumulated 16 caps for Egypt’s senior national team since 2021.
Recovery Outlook and Next Steps
Following surgery, Ashour is expected to undergo a multi‑week rehabilitation program. Standard recovery from a broken collarbone typically ranges from six to twelve weeks, depending on severity and post‑operative stability. Considering the timeline, he is likely to miss the early phase of Egypt’s preparations for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Conclusion
Al Ahly will press forward in the Club World Cup without Emam Ashour—a player whose goal-scoring ability and midfield presence provided balance and creativity. His injury forces tactical rethink and roster reshuffling under coach José Riveiro. As they confront elite opposition, Ashour’s early departure underscores the fragility of tournament survival. His rehabilitation will be closely monitored as both club and country await his return to action.
