Zamalek coach Moataz Gamal undergoes surgery, delays trip to Rwanda

Zamalek coach Moataz Gamal has undergone surgery after experiencing back pain following the club’s 2-0 defeat to Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League, the club has announced.

The manager swiftly underwent on Monday following discomfort during their Cairo derby clash, which saw Zamalek suffer defeat in the sixth round of the league campaign.

Gamal has, however, been given 48 hours rest period to aid his recovery as the club prepares for the upcoming CAF Champions League showdown against Rwandan outfit APR FC.

The development has forced Zamalek to adjust Gamal’s travel arrangements ahead of their upcoming continental assignment against Rwanda’s APR FC in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, scheduled for Friday.

Gamal was initially expected to travel with the team’s delegation on Monday evening but will now join his colleagues on Wednesday, provided he has recovered sufficiently and is fit to travel.

“Moataz Gamal will join the team’s delegation next Wednesday, once he has fully recovered from the surgery he underwent and is able to travel normally to Rwanda,” the club stated.

The timing of the procedure comes as Zamalek look to put their derby disappointment behind them and prepare for their continental campaign.

The club’s board has wished Gamal a speedy recovery as he works towards rejoining the team ahead of the crucial encounter in Rwanda.