Barakat was ruled out for about six months with a knee injury before suffering ear problems that extended his layoff period.

"The coaching staff decided not to rush Barakat into action to avoid further complications," board member Khaled Mortaga told FilGoal.com.

"He hasn't restored his full fitness yet, so he would better be used as a substitute," Mortaga added in a phone call from Abidjan.

Egyptian and African champions Ahli travel to Ivory Coast with a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg in Cairo two weeks ago.

Their first target would be keeping a clean sheet, a thought makes manager Manuel Jose undecided over whether to field two strikers or deploy only one.

"The majority of the starting line up has been decided. But Jose still considers whether to play with (striker) Flavio Amado or (holding midfielder) Ahmed Hassan," Mortaga added.

Ahli's probable line-up:

Essam Al-Hadari, Mohamed Sedik, Shadi Mohamed, Wael Gomaa, Tarek Al-Saied, Islam Al-Shater, Hossam Ashour, Mohamed Shawki, Emad Meteb, Flavio Amado (Ahmed Hassan).