Al Ahly welcome back El Shahat and Aqtai ahead of Egypt Cup tie

Al Ahly have been boosted by the return of Hussein El Shahat and Aqtai Abdullah to full training after both players recovered from injury.

The pair took part in the team’s preparations as Al Ahly began their build-up to Saturday’s Egypt Cup meeting with Al Sekka Al Hadid at Cairo Stadium. The match will be played in the last 32 of the competition.

El Shahat had been recovering from pain in the lower abdominal muscles, while Aqtai has overcome a pelvic bruise. Their return gives head coach Al Hussein Amouta more options before the weekend fixture.

Marwan Attia also rejoined the squad’s training programme after being given time off before Al Ahly’s previous match against Al Mokawloon Al Arab.

Al Ahly secured a 1-0 victory in that game, which was played in the second round of the Egypt Capital Cup.

The players involved against Al Mokawloon Al Arab completed recovery exercises during Tuesday’s session to help them shake off the effects of the match.

The rest of the squad undertook a demanding physical programme before moving on to ball work.

Two players, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir and Ahmed Khaled “Kebaka”, were absent from the morning training session after being granted permission by the coaching staff because of personal circumstances. Both are expected to join the team for the evening session.

Before training began, Amouta held a team meeting on the pitch to discuss the technical and tactical aspects of the forthcoming match against Al Sekka Al Hadid.

Al Ahly will not train tomorrow, with the players due to resume work on Thursday as preparations continue for their Egypt Cup opener.