Ismaily's new coach, Emad Soliman, suffers a defensive blow as he will have to do without injured defender, Moatasem Salem as well as suspended Shady Mohamed when they take on Zamalek in the domestic league.

Salem has recently recovered from a muscle injury and was introduced in the scoreless draw against ENPPI last week, but had to pull off again after feeling pains.

The 30-year-old international defender underwent further scans that proved he needs more time to rest.

Soliman – who succeeded Dutch coach Mark Wotte earlier this month – is trying to keep the Dervishes in the title race, hoping to knock down leaders Zamalek in order to cut the five-point gap separating them.