Nearly a fortnight ago, the Egypt defender collided with Asyut Petroleum's Cameroonian defender Masinga Vintal in the air during a league match to suffer a severe wound to his head.

Fathallah, who was bleeding horrifically, was stretchered off and hospitalized right away. His head injury needed 19 stitches.

The 28-year-old is yet to reach full recovery but he's willing to do his utmost in the Cairo derby to help Zamalek advance to the cup quarter finals.

"I will gave it my all although my head problem might resurface. Winning this game is more important than anything," Fathallah told FilGoal.com.

"In our previous game against Fayoum, I was very cautious and avoided all aerial challenges to make sure that I will be fit for the derby.

"But against Ahli I won't be that cautious," he added.

Zamalek beat Fayoum 1-0 while Ahli downed Nabaroh 3-0 in the round of 32 to set up Wednesday's anticipated meeting.

It's the first time for the Cairo duo to clash with each other in the cup round of 16.