"Shawki is suffering from a bruised knee ligament and needs a few days to rest, but he will be ready for the African final against Sfaxien," Al-Badri told FilGoal.com on Wednesday.

Al-Badri explained that Al-Shater has been suffering from exhaustion and therefore will also be sidelined for Thursday's game, while Gomaa will miss the match through suspension.

Striker Osama Hosni is set for a return against Mahalla after recovering from the injury he picked up in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final against ASEC.

On the other hand, Al-Badri said that Ahli will not ask that their league match against Suez Cement, which is scheduled for Monday, be postponed.

Al-Badri said that the team will have enough time to rest and prepare for the first-leg of the African final against the Tunisian side, scheduled for October 29th.

The title holder currently hold 10th place in the Egyptian league table with 11 points and three games in hand.