The 34-year-old midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in training and thus joins a long list of absentees for the Alexandrians.

“Injuries are affecting us badly, we already miss Ahmed Eid, Ahmed Salama and Islam Al-Shater, while Abdul-Rahman Farouk is suspended,” said assistant coach Abou-Taleb Al-Essawi.

Despite reaching the African Confederation Cup round of 16, Egyptian Cup champions are languishing in 11th place in the league with 17 points from 15 games.