Zamalek's trio Tarek Hamed, Mahmoud Alaa and Khalid Boutaib are fit to boost the team in Saturday's anticipated league derby against rivals Ahly, according to team manager Amir Mortada. Midfielder Hamed and defender Alaa were injured in Egypt's 1-0 loss to Nigeria in a friendly match on Tuesday, while striker Boutaib also picked up a knock in Morocco's recent 1-0 friendly loss against Argentina. "We have spoken to the national team's doctor and both players are ready for the derby," Amir was quoted as saying by the club's official website. "Khalid Boutaib is also available for the match as scans revealed that his injury in the game against Argentina isn't serious," he added. Ahly and Zamalek will meet at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium in a postponed match that could define the season. On Tuesday, Zamalek's Tunisian fullback Hamdi Nagguez was cleared fit for Saturday's match after recovering from his muscular injury. Leaders Zamalek failed to restore their four-point lead at the top of the Egyptian Premier League after being held to a 2-2 draw with Arab Contractors on Wednesday. Ahly thrashed Petrojet 4-0 in their last league match on 4 March. Ahly currently lie second on the league table with 51 points from 22 matches, just two behind Zamalek. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
