CAIRO: Ahly could be without attacking midfielder Mohamed Barakat when they face arch-rivals Zamalek in the Cairo derby on Friday. The former Egyptian international limped off Ahly s training session on Wednesday after sustaining an ankle injury, the club said. Barakat had to leave the training after just five minutes, Ahly said on their official website. He will undergo scans on Thursday to find out the extent of the injury and determine whether he can play against Zamalek. Barakat has been an indispensable member of Ahly s squad since joining in the summer of 2004. He played a key role in helping them win a host of local and continental trophies during the past six years. His versatility and dribbling skills hugely benefit an Ahly side who are struggling upfront this season despite being on the verge of winning a sixth consecutive league title. Barakat missed the first Cairo derby of the season through injury as Ahly and Zamalek settled for a goalless draw in December. Skipper Ahmed Al-Sayed, who plays in the heart of Ahly s defense but is not an automatic choice for coach Hossam Al-Badri, and young playmaker Afrotto are also doubtful for Friday s anticipated encounter.
