Nabih is expected to be a part of a three-pronged attack once again when Zamalek meet Aswan away from home in an afternoon kick-off on Monday as they seek to put pressure on challengers Ahly, who meet Pyramids FC in a high-profile clash later in the day.

The 22-year-old, who can also operate as a winger, rose to prominence last season when some off-the-bench contributions proved key in Zamalek's triumphant Egyptian Premier League campaign.

He is playing a bigger role this term, with veteran coach Jesualdo Ferreira relying on his pace and goal-scoring instincts to finish off Zamalek's sweeping attacking moves, especially on breakaways.

Nabih, the son of Ferreira's assistant Osama Nabih, has so far scored four league goals in eight appearances, including three in the last four games.

His strikes, most of which are eye-catching, include a superb solo effort in a 4-0 win over Talae El-Geish, a beautiful curler in another 4-0 victory over Haras El-Hodoud and a fine volley in a 3-1 win over Ismaily last Thursday.

"Ferreira asked me not to intervene in any matter related to Youssef. My son is lucky to play under the guidance of Ferreira," Osama Nabih said in a recent television interview.

Zamalek are gradually getting better after a somewhat slow start as they seek to win the league title for a third straight season for the first time in their history. They lead second-placed Ahly on goal difference.

Aswan, who lie eighth in the table with 12 points from 10 matches, are likely to prove a stiff opponent at home. They are fresh from claiming two successive wins over Enppi and Masry.

Zamalek are still missing Senegalese forward Ibrahima Ndiaye and winger Mostafa Shalabi, who have not yet recovered from injuries. Central defender Mostafa El-Zennari was also left out of the team's squad for the Aswan game.

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

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