Zamalek keeper Mahmoud 'Gennesh' Abdel-Rehim will miss his side's two crucial clashes against Pyramids and Maqassa after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) handed him a two-match ban on Monday.

Gennesh was sent off during the break after clashing with his Ittihad of Alexandria counterpart El-Hany suleiman while heading to the locker rooms.

The 31-year-old international rookie produced a string of fine displays with the White Knights this season, and was described as ''the best'' in the Egyptian league by Pharaohs goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagy earlier this month.

The absence of Gennesh will be a real blow for Zamalek coach Christian Gross, who will miss the efforts of his first keeper against Pyramids and Maqassa respectively.

Pyramids, who enjoyed an important 2-1 win over Ahly on Friday, are second on the league table with 33 points, while Maqassa lie third with 27 points.

Zamalek will face Pyramids on the 24th of this month before hosting Maqassa four days later in Cairo.

Zamalek are leading the league table with 41 points.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)