File Photo: Zamalek's Ibrahim Hassan shoots at goal as Al Ahly's Hussein El Shahat attempts to block (Photo: Reuters)
Ahly and Zamalek will lose the services of some big guns when they meet in the Cairo derby clash in the 21st matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday.
Ahly, the Egyptian Premier League leaders and title holders, will have to do without talented winger Ramadan Sobhi whose loan deal to the Red Devils from English Premier League side Huddersfield expired last month.
Ahly will also lose the services of midfielder Hossam Ashour and Sherif Ekrami after the team's management decided not extend their stay.
Winger Mahmoud "Kahraba" Abdel-Moneim, a one time Zamalek star, will also be absent from Ahly's squad as he serves a suspension until the end of the ongoing Egyptian League season due misconduct during the Egyptian Super Cup game against Zamalek last February.
Winger Hussein El-Shahat is still out after undergoing a surgery last month while defender Mahmoud Metwalli became the latest blow after sustaining a knee ligament injury during the 3-0 win over Aswan on Monday.
Moreover, to make matters worse for the Red Devils, Ahly forwards Geraldo and Ahmed El-Sheikh are major doubts for the Cairo derby clash after the duo left the pitch of the game against Aswan due to injuries.
Meanwhile, Zamalek will lose the services of their left back Abdallah Gomaa who received a third yellow card during the goalless draw with FC Masr in the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday.
Talented and veteran attacking midfielder Mahmoud “Shikabala” Abdel-Razeq and winger Emam Ashour will not be in Zamalek's squad for the game as the duo serve suspension from the Egyptian Football Association due to misconduct during the Egyptian Super Cup game against Ahly.
Winger Mostafa Fathi and midfielder Mohamed Hassan are major doubts for the Cairo derby clash after suffering minor muscle problems.
In good news, right back Hazem Emam was cleared fit on Thursday for the game after recovering from a minor injury sustained in a league game last week.
Ahly are in the driving seat of the Egyptian Premier league teams' table with 56 points, while Zamalek are in the runners-up place with 39 points after 20 games each so far this season.
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