Shikabala was recalled by manager Hassan Shehata for the friendly tournament, just one day after announcing his unwillingness to play for the national team anymore.

Zamalek chairman Galal Ibrahim has been trying to convince the controversial playmaker to back down on his decision, which was triggered by the hostile chants he received from Ahli fans in last week’s Cairo derby.

“We are trying to reach Shikabala ahead of the Egypt camp, but we can’t,” Zamalek chief Ibrahim told FilGoal.com.

Egypt coach Hamada Sedki also confirmed that Shikabala could not be reached in the meantime.

The 24-year-old playmaker, who is currently the league’s top scorer, does not have the best of histories with Egypt boss Shehata.

The already-frosty relationship between the duo took a significant blow when Shehata doubted Shikabala’s Egypt loyalty a few weeks ago.