The classy playmaker, who has been named Africa's second best player in 2008, was not included in Ahli's squad for the Egyptian Premier League match at Cairo Stadium.

Although Abou-Treika told FilGoal.com on Thursday that he was 100% fit, Ahli coach Manuel Jose seemingly does not want to rush him back into action.

The 30-year-old missed some crucial games lately, including last month's Cairo derby against Zamalek and Ahli's African Super Cup victory over Sfaxien last week.

Qatari winger Hussein Yasser, who repeatedly voiced his frustration over lack of playing time, was named in the squad. So was towering striker Ahmed Hassan Farag.

There was no room for striker Hani Al-Egeizi, who has rarely featured for Ahli since joining last summer from Baladeya.

Reports claimed that Jose was unhappy with Al-Egeizi's lack of commitment to training.

Stand-in striker Osama Hosni was also left out for no apparent reason.

Ahli, who are bidding to win a fifth consecutive league title, will be eyeing a victory over Masri to reclaim top spot after Petrojet occupied the summit following their win over Gaish.

Ahli squad:

Goalkeepers: Amir Abdul-Hamid, Ramzi Saleh

Defenders: Ahmed Al-Sayed, Shadi Mohamed, Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Samir, Ahmed Ali

Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Barakat, Sayed Moawad, Gilberto, Hossam Ashour, Moataz Eno, Ahmed Hassan, Hussein Ali, Hussein Yasser

Strikers: Flavio Amado, Ahmed Hassan Farag