Egyptian side, Pyramids FC, are sweating over the fitness of their best players ahead of their CAF Champions League clash with Orlando Pirates.
Pyramids will host the South African side at the 30 June Stadium in the second leg of the semifinals of the CAF Champions League on Friday, April 25, with kick-off scheduled at 18:00 GMT.
The first leg staged at the FNB Stadium last weekend ended goalless.
Adel sustained an injury during the team’s 4-1 victory over Moroccan club AS FAR in the quarterfinals earlier this month, where he netted two goals and provided one assist.
The 24-year-old has been a revelation for his side in the Champions League this season, contributing two assists and scoring six goals so far.
Adel has been a top performer for Pyramids this season, having registered an impressive 12 goals and 12 assists in 27 matches this campaign.
The Egypt international was sidelined during Pyramids’ match against Bucs due to an injury, but Salem has now confirmed that the forward, whom he referred to as the best player in Egypt, could be ready for the second leg.
“God willing, Ibrahim Adel will be with the team in the next match,” Salem said per Btolat.com.
“He is the best player in Egypt based on statistics. He is an influential player with the team and the national team, and when he does not play, you feel as if something is missing.
“A player who is consistent and influential is the super player.”
Salem has also expressed concerns about his club’s fans ahead of the match, acknowledging that having fewer supporters could negatively influence Pyramids at home.
“The only thing Pyramids lacks is the fans, and that’s the most important thing, because the strongest element for any team is the fans, especially during a big match like the Orlando Pirates match.”