Head coach of Al Ahli's youth team, Paulo Sousa, confirmed that Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun will not be available for matches in the current period, noting that the player has been away from the pitch for a long time and cannot be relied upon in attack until enough time has passed for him to fully regain his fitness and integrate with the team.
The coach's statements came after Al Ahli's youth team defeated Khorfakkan 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the UAE President's Cup. Sousa told "Al-Ittihad": "The team is struggling offensively due to numerous injuries, and it is very difficult to rely on Sardar Azmoun even after his return from injury. The player has been absent from the field for eight months and needs time to get into the rhythm of competition and match practice, and we cannot immediately throw him into matches of such a high level".
Sousa refused to disclose a specific date for the Iranian star's return, who suffered a serious injury, explaining that the situation requires careful monitoring of his physical and medical readiness.
The coach also spoke about the absence of striker Sultan Adel, saying: "Sultan suffers from an old joint injury, and his condition worsened with a knee swelling before the match against Khorfakkan. The schedule is packed, we are playing in three tournaments: the UAE President's Cup, the league, and the AFC Elite League of Champions, and we will not sacrifice one tournament for another".
He explained that managing training loads, recovery, and treatment will be the foundation for the next stage.
