Palestinian news agency Ramattan reported that coach Ezzat Hamza left out the 29-year-old guardian so that he can maintain his position as Ahli's number one.

Saleh, who was excluded from his nation's roster for the first time in nine years, earned himself a regular place in Manuel Jose's starting eleven in recent weeks.

The former Shabab Jablia keeper took over from Amir Abdul-Hamid, following the latter's poor performance in a 2-2 league draw with Petrojet last month.

The war-torn Palestine will compete in a group including Nepal, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan in the continental contest starting March 26th.