The injury-plagued guardian had a second knee operation last week after aggravating a cartilage problem that kept him out of action since November.

Ekrami was Ahli’s first-choice man between the posts before his injury, but will now have to compete with Ahmed Adel for a regular spot should the league season restarts.

Meanwhile, the Ahli squad will travel to Saudi Arabia this week to play an exhibition match against Qadsia in the farewell of Ghazi Assiri.