Al Ahli currently have no intention of purchasing an elite replacement for stricken striker Lima during the January transfer window, according to CEO Ahmed Khalifa.
Lima, 31, has undergone surgery on a knee problem which will sideline him for three months. In response, the Arabian Gulf League title contenders have re-enlisted forward Ciel in place of the 19-goal summer signing.
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The Red Knights now face a decision whether to stick with Ciel bey-ond the January 25 cut-off date for player registration, vacate one of their four foreign spots until Lima is fit or buy a replacement.
“(Coach) Cosmin (Olaroiu) has taken a quick decision that he will need Ciel again,” Khalifa said at CEOs meeting at the UAE Football Association on Wednesday.
“I think we will not have any more foreign players.
“We think we will continue the season with Ciel. We do not know in the future, something could change in the next two weeks, but that is the track we are seeing now.”
Ciel made his first appearance in Monday’s goalless draw at Al Wasl since suffering a double ankle fracture during the 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League season opener at Sharjah. Despite this long break, Khalifa retained his faith in the 33-year-old Brazilian.
He said: “Ciel is fit enough. He had pre-season training with the team in Italy.
“He was at a great level previously, but we think he is very confident he can do something now.”
Ahli made few domestic moves during the summer, only recruiting youngster Mohammed Al Khoory for their first team. Khalifa expec-ted a similar situation this month.
“Until now, there is nothing,” he said about the UAE market. “But we will wait until the last day.”