Zamalek's new assistant coach Tarek Yehia said that Zaki, who is on the verge of a loan move to Wigan Athletic, was deemed unfit by German manager Reiner Hollmann.

"Zaki is out of form and has not attended the pre-season camp with his teammates so he won't play against Ahli on Sunday," Yehia told Zamalek's official website.

Yehia even confirmed Zaki's move to Wigan, even though Zamalek officials have denied on Sunday that the Egypt international will complete a 1.5 million sterling loan move to the Premiership side.

"Another reason Zaki won't play is that he will be travelling to England to undergo a medical at Wigan," Yehia added.

Zamalek open their group stage campaign by facing arch rivals Ahli in Cairo on Sunday July 20th.

Coach Hollmann have decided to include Ayman Abdul-Aziz, Junior Agogo and Osama Hassan to the African roster as the club awaits the decision of defender Hani Saied who is refusing to uphold his agreement with Zamalek.