Pirates will host the Egyptian giants in the first leg of the CAF tie at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off at 18h00.
Tinkler is sweating over the fitness of defensive midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo, while his captain Oupa Manyisa (fractured ankle) and defenders Siyabonga Sangweni and Happy Jele (both suspended) have been ruled out of the contest.
The Sea Robbers, Champions League finalists in 2013, are also minus goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, who is making his way back from a knee injury.
However, midfield enforcer Issa Sarr is back for the Buccaneers after missing the team's previous two games following the death of his mother.
"We are going into this match with a positive frame of mind," Tinkler told the club's official website. "It is vitally important for us to win the home leg and also ensure that we do not concede a goal in order to have something to protect for the second leg.
"It is true that we will be without some of our key players who were in fact instrumental in helping the club reach the 2013 CAF Champions League Final. Their experience will definitely be missed but we cannot do anything about that. We have a good squad of players who are all capable and it will be up to them to step up and do the job for us," concluded the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.
Ahly are also minus their skipper Hossam Ghaly for the continental fixture.