POSITION:Football Information Stack > Qatar Stars League News >
### Al Gharafa's Latest Injury Update: Youssef Ahmed's Injuries Continue to Spread
In recent days, Al Gharafa has been grappling with a significant setback in their quest for the Saudi Arabian national title. The team, led by coach Ali Al-Mahmoudi, has suffered multiple injuries among its players, which have forced them to adapt and find new solutions on the field.
#### Key Injuries:
1. **Youssef Ahmed**: The most notable injury is that of Youssef Ahmed, who sustained a severe knee injury during a friendly match against Qatar. This has put a halt to his participation in the tournament, leaving Al Gharafa without one of their key attacking threats.
2. **Mazen El-Hajj**: Another player, Mazen El-Hajj, has also been sidelined with a back injury. His absence will likely impact Al Gharafa’s defense, as they rely heavily on him for stability.
3. **Hussein Al-Sheikh**: Hussein Al-Sheikh, another key midfielder, has experienced ankle issues that have restricted his movement on the pitch. This could potentially affect his role in midfield support.
4. **Mohamed Al-Rashid**: Mohamed Al-Rashid, a central defender, has suffered a hamstring strain. This has forced him to sit out several matches, reducing his defensive presence.
#### Team Response:
The coaching staff at Al Gharafa has been proactive in addressing these injuries. They have implemented various strategies to mitigate the impact of these losses:
- **Substitution Policy**: The team has made strategic use of substitutes to fill in gaps left by injured players. This approach has helped maintain some continuity in the lineup.
- **Rotation**: Players like Hassan Al-Zahrani and Hisham Al-Darwish have stepped up to provide additional cover for injured teammates.
- **Training Focus**: The team has shifted its training focus to improve overall fitness and agility, aiming to reduce the risk of further injuries.
#### Impact on Competition:
The ongoing injuries have significantly impacted Al Gharafa’s chances of advancing to the final stages of the competition. With key players absent, the team faces increased pressure to perform under tight circumstances.
However, the squad remains resilient and committed to overcoming these challenges. Coach Ali Al-Mahmoudi has emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork, urging all players to work together to overcome this adversity.
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how Al Gharafa adapts to the changing lineup and how they can still compete effectively despite the setbacks. The team's ability to bounce back from injuries and stay competitive will play a crucial role in determining their fate in the tournament.