Espérance Sportive de Tunis are facing a potential defensive setback ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg against Al Ahly SC, with reports indicating that defender Hamza Jelassi is likely to miss the match due to injury.
The Tunisian side are preparing for the decisive encounter in Cairo on Saturday, but uncertainty over Jelassi’s fitness could affect their plans as they aim to protect their first-leg advantage.
Injury concern after first-leg victory
According to reports from Tunisian newspaper Al-Sarih, Jelassi sustained an injury during the first leg of the quarter-final tie, which took place in Rades last Sunday.
That match ended in a 1-0 victory for Esperance, giving them a narrow advantage heading into the return fixture. However, the injury to one of their defensive players has raised concerns within the squad.
Jelassi underwent initial medical examinations on Monday to assess the extent of the problem, following his involvement in the match against Al Ahly.
Further tests required
The report stated that the defender’s injury requires additional diagnostic tests, including CT scans of the knee, to determine both the severity of the injury and the appropriate course of treatment.
These examinations are expected to be carried out on Tuesday under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
The outcome of these tests will play a key role in confirming the recovery timeline, but early indications suggest that the player may not be fit in time for the upcoming match.
Likely absence for cairo trip
Based on the latest developments, Jelassi is expected to be the most notable absentee when Esperance travel to Egypt later this week.
The team is scheduled to depart for Cairo on Thursday afternoon, travelling by private plane as part of their preparations for the decisive second leg.
His absence, if confirmed, would represent a significant blow for Esperance, particularly given the importance of defensive organisation in a tightly contested tie.
Decisive return leg in cairo
The second leg between Esperance and Al Ahly is set to take place on Saturday, 21 March 2026, at Cairo Stadium.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm and will be played without spectators, adding a unique atmosphere to what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter.
Esperance will enter the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, while Al Ahly will be seeking to overturn the deficit on home soil.
Broadcast and stakes
The match will be broadcast on the beIN Sports network, allowing fans across the region to follow the action.
With a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League at stake, both teams are expected to approach the game with caution and determination.
For Esperance, the potential absence of Hamza Jelassi adds another layer of complexity to their preparations, as they aim to maintain their lead and secure progression to the next round.
