The in-form wizard is earning plaudits for a string of superb displays which burdened him with ending Zamalek's Cairo derby jinx when they face arch-rivals Ahli on Thursday.

Ahli's defensive midfielder Hossam Ashour successfully kept him at bay during the last derby but he is unlikely to be fit to take part in the anticipated clash at Cairo Stadium.

"Shikabala is like Messi, no one can mark him," Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of Zamalek head coach Hossam Hassan, told Modern Sport.

"Even if more than one player marked him, it would not be beneficial for our opponents because Shikabala has all the attributes to elude them."

Belgian giants Anderlecht were interested in signing Shikabala in the summer but Zamalek turned down their offer.

The 24-year-old, whose contract with the White Knights runs out at the end of the season, is the league's top scorer with nine goals.