"Flavio is a very dangerous player but his absence won't affect Ahli who have excellent tools and a great coach," Ricardo told Sudanese based Al-Mashahir.

The Ahli top marksman has been ruled out of the game for automatic ban after collecting two yellow cards.

"The game won't be easy because we are playing at home under a huge pressure. But we will have to win to secure our spot in the semis."

"I watched Ahli's lst games against Ismaili and Masri and I could notice that the team isn't at its best."

Hilal are second of the group with six points, three behind Ahli, and need the victory to secure their qualification.