Ahly are looking to take another step towards the Egyptian Premier League title as they face an easy test against lowly side Nasr on Monday. A 12th successive victory will ensure the Reds' dominance in the title race as they currently lead the league table with 63 points, a staggering 17 points ahead of second-placed side Ismaily. The mission of champions Ahly to edge closer to their 40th league title is unlikely to be difficult as Nasr are currently suffering at the bottom of the table with just 14 points from two victories, eight draws and 14 defeats. Nasr, who didn't secure a single win in their last 12 matches, hope to get a positive result this time, to keep alive their slim chances of avoiding relegation. Ahly, already suffering an injury crisis, were hit by the news that key attacking midfielder Abdallah El-Said will miss the game due to muscle strain, while in-form strikers Walid Azaro and Junior Ajayi were cleared fit after missing Saturday's training with fitness concerns. Tunisian international left-back Ali Maaloul and central defender Saad Samir have rejoined the squad after recovering from their injuries to give a boost to the defence that already misses injured key defender Rami Rabiaa. Recent first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawi was excluded from the squad to pave the way for teammate Sherif Ekramy to return after months of absence. "We have the suitable alternatives to cover Abdallah El-Said's absence," Ahly's assistant coach Ahmed Ayoub told reporters Sunday. "The league's busy schedule puts more pressure on Ahly players to secure the title as soon as possible, so we are determined to beat Nasr to continue the fine run," he added. Nasr will be missing defensive duo Mohamed Hagaag and Frank Alves due to injury and suspension respectively. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
