Dodzi went AWOL following the end of last season to incur the wrath of Gaish, who said they would not tolerate his behavior.

The 33-year-old, whose contract runs out in 2013, said he remained in France and could not join the team's pre-season training camp for family reasons

"The player will be heavily punished," Gaish official Abdul-Gelil Emam told FilGoal.com.

The 33-year-old Dodzi, who joined Gaish in 2008, is a key member of the team's squad.

He scored seven league goals last season, two behind Gaish's top scorer Talaat Moharam as the team finished ninth in the table.

Farouk Gaafar's side opened this season's campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Port Said-based club Masri.

They will face a stern test against defending champions Ahli in their second game on Friday.