Abdullah El Said set to return to Zamalek training after Greece break

Abdullah El Said will return to Zamalek’s group training on Wednesday as the club continue preparations for the new season, according to a source at the Egyptian club.

The 40-year-old midfielder is due to return from Greece on Tuesday, having been away on holiday. He will then rejoin his team-mates in training the following day.

A source told FilGoal.com: “Abdullah El Said returns tomorrow, Tuesday, from Greece and will take part in training on Wednesday.”

The timing of El Said’s return means he is expected to be back with the squad as Zamalek’s preparations continue under head coach Moataz Gamal. The club have begun their pre-season programme at the New Administrative Capital, where their training camp is being held.

Zamalek’s preparations are taking place after the club confirmed that Gamal would remain in charge as head coach. That announcement followed the departure of sporting director John Edward.

The source also provided an explanation for Chico Banza’s absence from Zamalek’s current preparations.

“Chico Banza informed the previous football administration that he was travelling to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, to renew his residency there and will return to Cairo on 7 or 8 August,” the source added.

Banza’s planned return date means he is expected to rejoin the club several days after El Said. The player had notified Zamalek’s previous football administration of his travel arrangements before leaving for Lisbon.

Zamalek have therefore started their build-up to the new campaign with El Said temporarily away in Greece and Banza absent while completing the renewal of his residency in Portugal. El Said is scheduled to return to the squad first, with Banza due back in Cairo later in the week.

The information was published by FilGoal on Monday, 3 August 2026, after the source disclosed the players’ expected return dates and the reason for Banza’s absence.

Zamalek confirmed the continuation of Gamal’s tenure after announcing that Edward would leave his position as sporting director. Gamal is now overseeing the club’s preparations at the New Administrative Capital, with El Said set to resume collective training on Wednesday and Banza expected to return on either 7 or 8 August.