Zamalek’s first-pick goalkeeper, Mohamed Abdul-Monsef, picked up the flu and will miss the team’s crucial games against Al-Hodoud and Ahli on Tuesday.

Abdul-Monsef’s sudden illness has left interim manager Mahmoud Saad no choice but to depend on the out-of-form Al-Sayed, a member of Zamalek’s coaching staff told FilGoal.com.

Al-Sayed had sustained a cruciate ligament injury in training last April and was scheduled to return in October.

But the Egyptian international sustained an injury to his hand after being attacked by rogue club fans inside the club.

Zamalek’s coach Saad is set to announce on Monday the squad that will enter a closed training camp between Tuesday’s match and the derby game against Ahli on Saturday.