Ahli will miss injured left-back Sayed Moawad against Ismaili but Geddo might play despite picking up an ankle injury in Egypt's 3-0 midweek victory over Australia. Moawad missed Ahli's past two Egyptian Premier League games against ENPPI and Gouna but was due to take part in the anticipated clash against bitter foes Ismaili on Sunday. However, the defending champions said on Friday that the 31-year-old, who is one of Ahli's ever-reliable players, would not be able to the feature in the game due to a hamstring complaint. "Moawad will miss the match due to a hamstring twinge," Ahli stated on their official website. "He could not complete Thursday's training session due to the pain. He tried to participate in today's session but he couldn't." Moawad's absence will once again leave Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri with no option but to field natural right-back Sherif Abdul-Fadil on the left.
Geddo facing race against time Abdul-Fadil, a solid defender on the right, hardly filled Moawad's boots as he repeatedly left gaps behind him. Lowly Gouna exploited his weakness to launch a wave of attacks in their surprise 1-1 draw at home to Ahli, who are chasing a seventh consecutive league title. Egypt doctor Ahmed Maged said forward Geddo faced at least seven days on the sidelines after injuring his ankle few minutes after doubling Egypt's advantage over Australia in Wednesday's friendly game. But after undergoing scans, Geddo's injury turned out to be less serious than first thought. "Geddo's ankle injury is minor. He has a good chance of playing against Ismaili," Ahli doctor Ehab Ali said. "His condition will be assessed on Saturday to determine whether he will be available for the game or not." Ahli are second in the league table with 18 points from eight games, three behind leaders and arch-rivals Zamalek who played two matches more.
