Juan Alvina suspension leaves Zamalek without key player against El Gouna

Zamalek will have to line up without Brazilian midfielder Juan Alvina when they face El Gouna SC next Tuesday in the eighth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The player’s suspension has come as a blow to the team after his growing influence in midfield.

Alvina is ruled out after collecting three yellow cards this season, the last of which came during Thursday’s clash with Ismaily. His foul in that game prompted referee Amin Omar to brandish the caution, sealing his one-match ban under the Egyptian Clubs Association’s rules.

The Brazilian had already been booked in earlier games against Modern Sport and Al-Masry, and the accumulation has now caught up with him. Zamalek will therefore need to reshuffle their plans as they continue their push to stay at the top of the league table.

Despite Alvina’s setback, Zamalek showed resilience in their last outing, securing a 2-0 away victory over Ismaily at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium. Abdullah Al-Saeed netted an early penalty, while Adi Al-Dabbagh struck again in the second half.