Midfielder Youssef Msakni has no hope of playing for Esperance against Ahly in the second leg of CAF Champions League final on Saturday, Tunisian media revealed on Tuesday.

The dazzling playmaker, who was recently nominated for this year's Africa-based player of the year award, missed the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Alexandria last week as he had just undergone surgery to remove his appendix.

Earlier this month, an Esperance representative had said the player would be ready after one week but it seems that prognosis was optimistic and he will not appear at the Stadium of Rades.

"Msakni is undergoing a rehabilitation programme but it seems he has a very limited chance, or even no chance, of being available for the match," a report by Tunisian newspaper Assabah explained.

The 22-year-old midfielder helped Esperance reach the final, scoring three goals during the tournament.

Esperance are hoping to clinch a second consecutive CAF Champions League title when they play the second leg against Ahly in Tunisia on 17 November.

Esperance reached the final after eliminating formidable Congolese side Mazembe and booked their place in the final with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Nigerian side Sunshine Stars. 

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