The mercurial midfielder missed the Cairo giants' previous game against FC Santos in the CAF Confederation Cup, and he's yet to reach full recovery.

Veteran defender Wael Gomaa made the squad after overcoming the groin problem that prevented him from featuring in the Santos tie.

Left back Sayed Moawad has been also named in the 18-man list, while frontline duo Ahmed Belal and Hani Al-Egeizi were excluded.

Ahli are at the top of the league table, only several goals ahead of second-placed Ismaili, who will face Tersana in the league finale.

Both title contenders will meet in a decisive playoff if they remain tied on equal points till the end of the season.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Ramzi Saleh – Ahmed Adel.

Defenders: Shadi Mohamed – Ahmed Sedik – Ahmed Al-Sayed – Mohamed Samir – Ahmed Ali – Wael Gomaa – Gilberto – Sayed Moawad.

Midfielders: Hossam Ashour – Moataz Eno – Ahmed Hassan – Ahmed Fathi – Mohamed Abou-Treika.

Strikers: Amado Flavio – Mohamed Talaat – Osama Hosni.