Ahmed Hassan believes Zamalek will have to confront a number of challenges to overcome Ghana’s Berekum Chelsea in the CAF Champions League.

The Whites will kick off the new season when they visit the Champions League debutants in the group stage opener on Sunday, with midfield veteran Hassan suspended.

“First of all we didn’t have a chance to play many warm-up games and the players are lacking match fitness,” the Egypt captain told FilGoal.com.

“This will be our opening match of the season and it comes against a very strong team. We must respect Chelsea and it is not easy to start against them.

“We will also be missing a number of players due to suspension, but hopefully we can overcome all these issues if we remained focused.”

In addition to Hassan, Zamalek will be without star striker Razak Omotoyossi and Egypt Olympic team defender Salah Soliman due to suspension.

Star midfielder Shikabala is also out after falling out with manager Hassan Shehata by the end of last season.