Zukhurov missed the 2-0 defeat by Al Shabab after picking up an injury in the opening 2-1 home win over Saudi Arabia’s Effifaq.

He made his return on Saturday as Bunyodkor beat Lokomotiv Tashkent 2-0 to maintain their 100% start to the defence of their Uzbekistan League title.

Against Lokomotiv interim coach Hikmat Irgashev was able to rest Uzbekistan internationals Server Djeparov, Timur Kapadze, Anvar Gafurov, Hayrulla Karimov and Jasur Hasanov following their recent World Cup qualifier against Australia, although Asian Player of the Year Djeparov and Gafurov did play in the second half.

“We are glad to have Murod back in the squad,” said Irgashev. “He was not fit enough to face Al Shabab, but he is now fully ready to return against Sepahan and hopefully with him in the side, we will be able to win to delight the home fans.”

On their run to the semi-finals last year Bunyodkor, who boast an impressive 100% home record in the Champions League, beat Sepahan 2-0 at home and they will again look to make home advantage count with all four teams in the group currently level on three points each after winning their home games.

Sepahan will be without defender Mohsen Bengar through suspension, while goalkeeper Abbas Mohammadi remains sidelined through injury and striker Mahmoud Karimi has not travelled with the squad.

Sepahan coach Farhad Kazemi is taking nothing for granted against the Uzbeks whom he regards as their biggest rivals in the group.

"Sepahan are an experienced team in Asian games, as are Bunyodkor, and in our group, this experience will give us both the edge against Ettifaq and Al Shabab in qualifying for the next round."

Sepahan go into the match on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq, something which Kazemi is determined will not happen again in Uzbekistan.

"The players have forgotten the defeat to Al Shabab and are very motivated to take something away from Tashkent,” added Kazemi.

"Losing to Ettifaq was unlucky and it won’t be repeated if the players concentrate."