"The manager decided not to include Hani in the pre-match camp and he is likely to be excluded from the match squad as well," Zamalek football director Ibrahim Hassan said.

"He has a knee injury and was forced to train with the fitness coach lately."

Despite the justification from the Zamalek management, FilGoal.com has learnt that Saied was dropped after falling out with head coach Hossam Hassan.

It is thought that the 31-year-old was involved in a rough training-ground conversation with his manager, due to a problem related with his wages.

Saied, a regular for Egypt, lost his place in Zamalek's roster following the arrival of Hossam Hassan, who prefers a sweeper-less 4-4-2 formation.