Zamalek's Hazem Emam is likely to miss the league game against Ragaa after suffering an injury while on international duty (Photo: the club's official Facebook page)
An injury-plagued Zamalek will be hoping to continue their fine league run when they visit 14th-placed Ragaa at Alexandria's Max Stadium on Sunday.
An 18-day international break proved dire for title-hopefuls Zamalek, having borne the brunt of some ill-fated decisions by the Egypt management during the 1-0 Cup of Nations qualifying home loss to Senegal.
After being forced off the pitch in the 1-0 league win over Harras El-Hodoud with an ankle problem, keeper Ahmed El-Shennawy had to see his injury aggravated following just eight minutes of the Senegal game.
In what appeared to be a poor jump by the 23-year-old El-Shennawy to gather the ball from a free kick cross, the highly-rated guardian was the one to blame for Mame Biram Diouf's winning header before falling to the ground injured.
He was then stretchered off the pitch after calling for the medical staff, as it was later announced that the Zamalek first-choice keeper would be sidelined for a period between four and six weeks.
Likewise, Hazem Emam was on the receiving end of similar managerial decisions during the ominous Senegal clash, as the right-back later indicated he was not completely fit to play when he came on as a second-half sub.
He was later omitted from the Egypt squad for the 1-0 defeat at Tunisia, courtesy of a nagging groin complaint.
As a result, the Zamalek board announced that both players would be summoned for a hearing over the incident, which would cost the club the regular duo for a quite considerable period of time.
Another key figure to miss the Ragaa game is midfield anchor Ibrahim Salah, who suffered an ankle sprain in the Senegal loss.
Attacking midfielder Ayman Hefny will also be missing out for the third game on the trot due to a hamstring problem despite initially seeing his playing chances increase against Ragaa days ago.
Burkinabe striker Abdoulaye Cisse will also sit out, but this time due to 'technical reasons' after seemingly failing to convince manager Jaime Pacheco up until now.
But Zamalek could have a new summer-signing in midfielder Mohamed Shaaban making his debut after being called up for the first time this season – an inclusion apparently forced by Salah's absence.
Versatile midfielder Omar Gaber was picked up by Pacheco after obviously having his Ultras-problem with the Zamalek board settled.
Should third-placed Zamalek beat Ragaa, who kickstarted their league campaign with three successive wins including a shock victory over holders Ahly, the Cairo side would reclaim the summit despite still having a game in hand.
Ahly's easy task
Arch-rivals Ahly will have an easy mission against rock bottom Nasr when they host the league newcomers at Cairo Stadium later in the day.
After edging out Arab Contractors in a nervy clash 1-0, the reigning champions will be looking for their third straight win following their 4-2 victory over promoted Damanhour.
But the Reds will still have to do without two of their key men, with Egypt striker Amr Gamal – out for six months due to a cruciate ligament tear - and center-back Saad Samir succumbing to injuries.
Keeper Sherif Ekramy is also facing a six-week layoff having flown to Germany to undergo a knee surgery.
Ahly are currently 12th in the 20-team league table with 11 points, but they played three games less than the leading pack.
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