The Egypt international has been struggling with a knee problem following cruciate ligament surgery two seasons ago, but is now close to full recovery.

“Omar Gamal completed a successful rehab period and his chances to play against Sofapaka are increasing,” Ismaili assistant manager Ahmed Qenawi told FilGoal.com.

“His return will be crucial to us after we couldn’t register (new signings) John Owoeri and Prince Arkoh on time.”

Meanwhile, FilGoal.com has learnt that six Ismaili players are in contention to be named in the Egypt squad for the CAN 2012 qualifier in South Africa later this month.

The players, who all featured in Egypt’s Nile Basin victory in January, are Hosni Abd-Rabou, Ahmed Samir Farag, Abdullah Saied, Abdullah Al-Shahhat, Amr Al-Sulaya and goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi.