Mahmoud Jihad denies fear of injury after early exit in Zamalek match

Zamalek midfielder Mahmoud Jihad has insisted he is not afraid of getting injured after being substituted in the first half of his side’s match against Petrojet Assiut.

Jihad left the field in the 38th minute of the match on Tuesday after complaining of pain in his adductor muscle.

After the game, Zamalek technical director Moataz Gamal said the midfielder had requested to be substituted because he was concerned about the pain and did not want to risk continuing.

However, Jihad has moved to clarify the situation, insisting that he remains committed to giving his all for the Egyptian giants despite his recent injury problems.

In a statement posted on his official Instagram account, the midfielder said his latest setback was part of the recovery process after spending a year out of action.

“These injuries are a matter of fate from God, and I always work no matter what happens. I am not upset or affected, and I do not need to come out and explain what I am doing to make myself feel good, because this is normal and this is my job,” he said.

“What happened today is normal after a year’s absence. I am fine, and there is no injury like before or anything. All of these things are normal, and, thank God, I will continue.”

Jihad also rejected suggestions that he was unwilling to put himself on the line for Zamalek, saying he remained determined to serve the club.

“I am not afraid for myself or lazy when it comes to giving my all to this great club, whose jersey I am honoured to wear. Only God knows what I am doing,” he added.

The midfielder explained that he was being cautious because of the injuries he had suffered recently, rather than allowing fear to affect his performances.

“I am not afraid at all, but I am being a little careful because it is the first time I have had injuries like these,” he said.

Jihad also expressed appreciation for the support he had received from Zamalek’s technical and medical teams, saying both groups had been doing their best to help him.

He concluded by accepting constructive criticism but condemned those who mocked his injury situation.

“Technical criticism is normal and acceptable, and it teaches one, but mocking and making fun of something that is in God’s hands is triviality and ignorance, because everything is from God,” he said.

The statement marks a rare public response from Jihad, who said he had generally avoided speaking publicly about his injury problems since joining Zamalek.