Al Ahly close to regaining services of Masoud and Demiral

Al Ahly are close to regaining two of their defensive players, as Merih Demiral and his teammate Naif Masoud have made significant progress in their rehabilitation programme, paving the way for their return to group training in the coming days.

The players continued their rehabilitation sessions at the club's medical clinic on Thursday, despite the break given to their teammates following the match against Al Sadd in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League.

Merih Demiral and Mesut Özil are suffering from foot joint injuries, which have kept them from participating with the team during recent domestic and continental matches, forcing them to undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program.

Reports suggest that Merih Demiral could participate in group training in the coming days, with Naif Masoud expected to return at the same time, provided the recovery process follows the prescribed medical program.

The Turkish defender suffered an injury during training on October 22, missing four official matches for Al Ahly, including two league matches against Al Khaleej and Al Shabab.

Merih Demiral's absence extended to matches against Al Gharafa and Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League, while an ankle injury has prevented him from appearing with his teammates in recent times.

The return of the duo represents an important boost for the Al Ahly coaching staff as the team needs to restore its defensive elements ahead of the resumption of domestic and continental competitions.