U-21 striker Talaat joined Ahli in the past January transfer window from Ahli Dubai, while Salah and Shehab came from the Cairo Giants' youth ranks.

The Portuguese head coach picked the trio for the critical match to fill the void left by a good number of suspended and injured players.

Skipper Shadi Mohamed, who has just recovered from a groin injury, has been excluded after sustaining a hamstring strain, and will undergo a three-day recovery program as a result.

The 32-year-old made his comeback in the second leg of the CAF champions league round of 16 against Kano Pillars, which saw Ahli wave goodbye to the continental competition.

Influential midfielders Ahmed Fathi, Moataz Eno and Sayed Mowad have also been ruled out due to automatic suspensions.

Hussein Yasser Wael Gomaa are out through injury.

Ahli are in second place on 54 points, three behind leaders Ismaili, who have only a couple of games to go.

The Red Devils have three matches to see the season through.

Ahli's squad:

Goalkeepers: Ramzi Saleh – Ahmed Adel Abdul Monem.

Defenders: Mohamed Samir – Ahmed Al-Sayed – Mostafa Salah – Gilberto – Abdul Hamid Ahmed – Ahmed Sedik – Ahmed Ali.

Midfielders: Ahmed Hassan – Mohamed Barakat – Hossam Ashour – Shehab Al-Din Ahmed – Mohamed Abou-Treika.

Strikers: Flavio Amado – Hani Al-Egeizi – Ahmed Belal – Mohamed Talaat.