Zamalek face key absences before Haras El Hodoud clash​

Zamalek will go into their Cup of the Capital clash against Haras El Hodoud with several important players still sidelined by injury.

Team manager Abdel Nasser Mohamed outlined the latest medical updates, confirming that the squad is under pressure at a demanding stage of the season.​

He revealed that playmaker Abdallah El Said and midfielder Nabil Emad Dunga are working on individual treatment and rehabilitation programs to prepare them for a safe return to full training. El Said is expected to need three to four weeks before joining group sessions again, while Dunga’s comeback is projected within two to three weeks, depending on how he responds to his recovery plan.​

Midfielder Ahmed Rabie is closer to returning, with the club expecting him to rejoin full training in about two weeks after a clear improvement in his condition. Defender Ahmed Hossam is currently in the third phase of his rehab and is scheduled to start on‑pitch work at the beginning of February, as a step toward full match readiness.​

These absences arrive at a sensitive moment for Zamalek and force the coaching staff to rely on alternative options to maintain balance and competitiveness. Head coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf has named his squad for Saturday’s game at Al Mokawloon Al Arab Stadium, including goalkeepers Mohamed Awad, Mahdi Suleiman and Mahmoud El Shennawy, along with a full complement of defenders, midfielders and forwards ready to step up in the cup tie.​