Arabian Gulf League title hopefuls Al Ahli expect to call on hot shot Lima’s services for the final stages of their title push after he was ruled out for three months because of knee surgery.
Lima, 32, has scored an incredible 19 goals in 23 appearances since a summer switch from Benfica.
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But this run has come to a halt since he picked up the problem during the 4-1 victory on December 26 at bottom-placed Al Shaab.
The second-placed Red Knights are currently locked in a tight battle with champions Al Ain and hope to have their star striker back within their ranks to make the difference at the death.
“Lima had surgery and we hope to have him back in the second half of the season,” said assistant coach Catalin Raducan.
The former Braga man’s presence was missed during Monday’s goalless draw at Al Wasl, a result which saw a three-point deficit to the leaders solidifed now all Ahli’s games in hand have been played.
Forward Ciel has been drafted in to take his spot in the four-player foreign quartet. The 33-year-old came off the bench at Zabeel Stadium to make his first AGL appearance in nearly 16 months after a double ankle fracture.
An Ahli statement released late on Monday evening expected Ciel to fill in until April.
It read: “Ahli’s top scorer Lima conducted a successful surgery this morning in the right knee by a famous surgeon in Porto, Portugal. According to the Portuguese surgeon, the player needs a period of three months rehabilitation before returning to the field.”
Meanwhile, Raducan has warned his players they must improve and be ready for a “tough” title challenge when the second period of the AGL begins this weekend.
The Red Knights were held to 0-0 draw by Al Wasl in the Dubai derby on Monday night, a result which left them three points behind Al Ain. It was the eighth game in 29 days for Ahli, who were playing catch-up after their run to the 2015 AFC Champions League final.
While Raducan hailed his players’ efforts at Zabeel Park, describing it “the best we have played in the last period”, he still wants to see more – beginning with their away game at Fujairah on Saturday.
“We need to improve and will try to do our best,” he said.
“We will try to make a good final part of the season. We have had a very good first part of the season, making the final of the AFC Champions league and are three points behind Al Ain in the league. But other teams have also been very good. We will fight for the first place and it will be a very tough fight but it’s good for the game to have this competition.”
Al Wasl remain in fourth position, two points behind third-placed Al Nasr and coach Gabriel Calderon insists they can push on.
“It was a very tough match for the team and the players put in a lot of effort to win the match but overall I’m happy with the result,” said the Argentine, whose side host Al Jazira on Friday.
