Ahli's mercurial midfielder Mohamed Barakat is likely to miss Sunday's Champions League clash against Ismaili after undergoing a minor eye surgery. The Egyptian champions said on their official website on Friday that Barakat was left out of the team's training camp for the anticipated game. They did not clarify whether the 33-year-old would be able to play against his former club but reports suggested that he would be rested for the match. Barakat is one of Ahli's most consistent performers, with his energetic displays proving huge assets for Hossam Al-Badri's side. His second-half introduction helped the Cairo giants secure a 1-1 draw at Nigeria's Heartland in their Champions League group stage opener earlier this month. He won the penalty which Mohamed Abou-Treika converted to secure a share of spoils in the Group B encounter. Barakat also produced a fine display in Ahli's 1-0 victory over Harras Hodoud in the Egyptian Super Cup last Sunday. Egypt forward Mohamed Nagi 'Geddo' could make his Ahli debut against Ismaili after joining from Ittihad Alexandria in the close season in a controversial move. He is likely to be punished by the Egyptian FA for signing a deal with Zamalek before extending his contract with Ittihad last January. Ismaili will be looking to make up for a disappointing 1-0 home defeat by Algeria's JS Kabylie when they meet bitter rivals Ahli at Cairo stadium.
