CAIRO: Ahly defender Emad Al-Nahhas could end his lengthy lay-off after a month and a half.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined since a previous knee injury reoccurred in January, and he s currently undergoing an intensive recovery program in Portugal.

I started jogging a couple of days ago. Now I need 30 or 45 days to get back in training, the veteran told Ahly TV.

Although he s still far from being fit, Al-Nahhas said he was delighted when his boss Manuel Jose paid him a visit.

Jose is keen to be updated on my status. He even came to see me in his homeland Portugal, he added.

Al-Nahhas had two anterior ligament operations in the past two years.

The absence of the experienced sweeper has negatively affected Ahly s rearguard, especially after the departure of his fellow defender Rami Adel.

Adel joined Masri on a loan basis after falling out with the Red Devils coaching staff.