Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan will have to do without Qatari winger Hussein Yasser El-Mohammadi who has been called up by his national team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup to be played in Qatar 7-29 January 2011.

“The negotiations with the Qatari FA to keep the player until the derby have collapsed,” Zamalek board member Tarek Ghoneim told local media Saturday.

The Gulf state's coach, Bruno Metsu, insisted on having his players home for two weeks before the competition, as it is stipulated in FIFA rulings.

“We will inform the technical staff that the player will not be available, especially after the Qatari FA threatened to launch a FIFA complaint,” Ghoneim added.

The Qatar team is eager to make an impact after being eliminated from the Gulf Cup first round in November.

El-Mohammadi, 28, featured for the “Annabi” in the tournament and picked up a shoulder injury during Saudi Arabia game.

Hassan was hoping his skillful winger would boost the team’s offensive play in Thursday’s Cairo derby, but now he will have to consider another option.

Zamalek are now in the driving seat with 30 points, five ahead of second-placed Ismaily.

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