The Angolan winger was not present as Ahli defeated ENPPI 2-0 at Cairo Stadium on Monday to claim their third successive victory.

Reports suggested that coach Hossam Al-Badri opted to leave him out of the game for technical reasons.

"Gilberto was not included in the squad because he caught a cold," Ahli said in a statement on their official website.

The 27-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best foreigners to play in the Egyptian league since its inauguration in 1948, has been an integral member of Ahli's squad since joining in 2002.

He played a pivotal role in helping the Red Devils win a host of local and continental titles during the past five years.

However, he has seen his regular place taken by Sayed Moawad this season.

Moawad, a veteran left-back, put in some impressive displays in Egypt's Confederations Cup campaign and managed to replicate his blistering form on the club level.