Zamalek confirm Ahmed Fattouh absence for AS Port Champions League tie

Zamalek have confirmed that Egypt international Ahmed Fattouh will miss their CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg meeting with AS Port of Djibouti.

The left-back was not included in the squad for the match after Zamalek’s coaching staff, led by Moataz Gamal, decided he was not ready to play. The game is due to take place shortly, with Zamalek hosting AS Port in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie.

Fattouh had insisted on joining his team-mates at their training camp ahead of the match against the Djibouti champions. However, Zamalek said he had only completed one training session before the game because of illness.

His absence means Fattouh will miss a second consecutive match for Zamalek. He was also unavailable for the club’s previous fixture against Petrojet after becoming ill.

The decision to leave him out was therefore taken on fitness grounds, despite his desire to remain with the squad and be involved against AS Port. Zamalek’s medical and technical staff ultimately judged that he was not sufficiently prepared to take part.

Zamalek are also expected to make a change in goal for the match. FilGoal.com previously reported that the coaching staff had decided to select Mohamed Sobhi instead of El Mahdy Soliman.

El Mahdy Soliman had started all three of Zamalek’s Egyptian league matches so far this season, playing every minute in each of those games. Mohamed Sobhi is now set to replace him for the opening meeting with AS Port.

Both legs of the tie against AS Port will be played at Cairo International Stadium. Zamalek will therefore have home advantage in the first leg and will also host the return fixture as they seek to progress in the competition.

The winner of the Zamalek and AS Port tie will face the winner of the meeting between Congolese side Eagles and the Rwandan Armed Forces in the round of 32.

Zamalek’s immediate focus is on securing a positive result in the opening match, but Fattouh’s continued absence leaves the team without one of its recognised options at left-back. His illness has restricted his preparation to just one training session, prompting the technical staff to prioritise his recovery rather than risk using him before he is fully ready.