Ahli striker Emad Meteb has been surprisingly excluded from his side's 18-man squad for the Egyptian League game against Telecom Egypt on Saturday. The Egypt frontman has been a regular starter for Ahli this season despite being subjected to fierce criticism for some below-par displays. Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri declined to clarify the exact reason behind Meteb's omission. "We have to choose just 18 players out of 30 so it is only logical that some players won't feature," he told FilGoal.com on Friday. "We can't reveal the reasons behind every player's absence from Telecom Egypt match. "The technical staff will rest some regulars in the upcoming period as we are close to clinching the league title" The 25-year-old Meteb, who was the league's top scorer in the 2004/2005 season, scored just four goals in the premier domestic competition this term. Right-back Islam Al-Shater has been included in Ahli squad for the first time in two months after recovering from a knee injury. Midfielder Hossam Ashour, whose performances lately have been impressive, will miss the match through suspension. The Red Devils squad includes two youngsters in Mohamed Saied and Hesham Mohamed. Ahli squad Goalkeepers: Amir Abdul-Hamid, Ahmed Abdul-Moneim. Defenders: Ahmed Shedid, Gilberto, Emad Al-Nahhas, Mohamed Samir, Islam Al-Shater, Mohamed Saied. Midfielders: Anis Boujelbene, Ahmed Fathi, Mahmoud Samir, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat. Forwards: Ahmed Belal, Flavio Amado, Mohamed Hegazi, Hesham Mohamed.
