Abdallah El Said to miss Zamalek’s game with National Bank of Egypt as Hossam Ashraf returns

Abdallah El Said will miss Zamalek’s Egyptian Premier League match against National Bank of Egypt for a second successive game because he is not yet considered technically ready.

Zamalek face National Bank of Egypt at 20:00 local time on Wednesday at Cairo International Stadium in the second round of the league season.

El Said, the experienced Zamalek midfielder, was absent from the squad for the opening fixture and will not be involved again as head coach Moataz Gamal continues to assess his condition and readiness.

There is, however, a boost for Zamalek with the return of striker Hossam Ashraf. He is expected to be included in the squad after missing the opening match through suspension, having accumulated the required number of cautions.

Zamalek began the new campaign as defending champions of the Egyptian Premier League. Their first match ended in a goalless draw against Al Ittihad Alexandria, leaving them with one point from the opening round.

National Bank of Egypt had a less positive start. They were beaten 1-0 by newly promoted Abu Qir Fertilizers in their first league game.

Zamalek completed their preparations for Wednesday’s fixture with a training session at the auxiliary pitch of Air Defense Stadium on Tuesday.

The coaching staff, led by Gamal, reduced the physical workload during the session to limit the risk of fatigue among the players ahead of the match.

The squad carried out a physical exercise under the supervision of Portuguese fitness coach Nuno Costa Ribeiro. The session then moved towards tactical work as the players were divided into groups for a series of technical drills.

Members of the coaching staff repeatedly offered instructions during that phase, with the emphasis on implementing the tactical details planned for the meeting with National Bank of Egypt.

Training ended with a small-sided tactical game. The exercise was designed to allow the players to put into practice the work completed during the tactical drills and served as the final part of Zamalek’s preparation for the upcoming fixtures.

The match gives the champions an opportunity to claim their first win of the season, while National Bank of Egypt will be seeking their first points after losing their opening game. El Said’s continued absence means Zamalek must again plan without one of their midfield options, but Ashraf’s return provides additional attacking depth for the squad.