Al-Wasl French coach Guy Lacombe attributed the 1-0 result in United Arab Emirates match with Ittihad Kalaba to absence of Egypt forward Mahmoud Abdel-Razek 'Shikabala' during a press conference Sunday.  

"Shikabala's absence affected the team's performance and caused the 1-0 loss to Kalba in the UAE Cup," Lacombe told those at the post-game meeting.

Al-Wasl's Egyptian winger Shikabala was injured during the game against Bani Yass in the UAE league two weeks ago.

"Al-Wasl will return to its previous performance after key players like Shikabala return to action," he added.

"I am working hard to support the team squad by organising new signings during the winter transfer window to avoid the mistakes we made after the absence of key players,"  Al-Wasl tactician concluded.

The 26-year-old attacker Shikabala has shown some impressive displays since joining Al-Wasl last summer, scoring five goals for Al-Wasl that is now eighth in the league table with 17 points after 13 matches.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)