Ahly’s Barakat injured but will play in Ethiopia

Ahly midfielder Mohamed Barakat suffered a knee injury during Thursday’s training session amid the team’s preparations for Sunday’s home match in round 32 of the CAF Champions League against Ethiopian Coffee. “I couldn’t continue Thursday’s morning session after I sustained a knock to the knee when I was tackled by Wael Gomaa [Ahly’s defender]” the 35-year-old veteran footballer stated on his official website. The Red Castle medical staff confirmed to Ahram Online that the key player will be able to participate in Sunday’s must-win clash. The first leg ended with a goalless draw in Addis Ababa. Barakat is the favourite option for Portuguese manager Manuel Jose in the right wing position as Ahmed Fathi underwent a knee surgery on Wednesday and will be ruled out for at least six weeks but the attacking skills of Barakat may make Jose depend on young Shehab Mohamed. Jose also decided to give midfielders Hossam Ashour and Walid Soliman a day's break to prepare them for the African match, as the duo are suffering from minor injuries. The Ethiopian’s side delegation is set to arrive on Saturday, now that the Egyptian security authorities gave the green light to the Cairo giants to hold the match behind closed doors after days of speculation. The continental game will be Ahly’s first official game on home soil since 1 February, when scores of their fans died and were injured in clashes at Port Said stadium after a Masry league game.