Egyptian side Ahly's star midfielder Mohamed Abou-Treika has recovered from a calf injury in time for Sunday's African Champions League match against Zambia’s ZESCO.

Muscle pains had kept the 32-year old out of Ahly’s squad for today's league match against Gouna. It is essential for Ahly to win as they try to narrow the seven-point gap with their arch-rivals Zamalek who lead the table with 40 points.

Abou-Treika will be leading the Red Devils against Zambia’s champions this weekend in the second leg of their round 16 tie. The first leg in Zambia ended goalless.

“We are ready to reach the group stage through the ZESCO path. We studied them well and we know how they play,” Ahly's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose said after the first-leg.

Ahly are seeking to win a record-extending seventh Champions League title. Their last triumph was in 2008 when they beat Cameroon’s Coton Sport in the final.

Abou-Treika, who has won the competition three times, is waiting for a contract extension with his current club. He is reported to have hinted interest in a move abroad, especially after Jose stated that the player will never get back to his peak.

Saudi press reports revealed that many Gulf clubs would be interested in taking Abou-Treika on loan as he has always asserted his desire to retire in the Red Castle.

“Two Emirates clubs and a Saudi giant offer loans to Mohamed Abou-Treika,” Saudi newspaper Al-Watan said on Tuesday.

In the past, Abou-Treika rejected many offers before preferring to stay with the Cairo giants.