Al Ahly will miss influential trio Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Nagy “Gedo” and skipper Hossam Ghaly when they face Espanyol in a friendly game later this month due to commitments with the national team.
“The trio will join up with Egypt’s squad following our African Champions League against Stade Malien [on Monday],” Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz said on the club’s website on Saturday.
Ahly, who are trying to overcome the adverse effects of domestic football stoppage following February’s Port Said tragedy, are scheduled to play Espanyol away from home on 18 May.
They will, however, have veteran playmaker Abou-Treika, forward Gedo and central midfielder Ghaly available for the crucial game at home against Stade Malien in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Ahly are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit to reach the eight-team group stage as they eye a seventh continental triumph. They last lifted the trophy in 2008.
Egypt are preparing for several matches in the World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifiers next month.
They open their World Cup campaign at home with Mozambique on 1 June.
