Zamalek goalie Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed sustained a groin injury during Thursday's 2-2 draw with Gaish, to leave the Whites facing an unenviable situation. Abdul-Wahed has been the only bona fide custodian at the Cairo side's disposal since Essam Al-Hadari's four-month ban became effective midway through October. Now Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan and his backroom boys are keeping their fingers crossed that the injury of the 33-year-old won't keep him on the sidelines for long. "Abdul-Wahed suffered an acute groin strain and needs to rest for 48 hours," Zamalek's chief doctor Mostafa Al-Monayeri told FilGoal.com. "We cannot determine the length of his absence right away. We have to wait at least for a day before letting him undergo advanced medical examinations to know the full extent of the injury. "For the time being, Abdul-Wahed is taking painkillers. Ice also helps to reduce the pain."
Al-Hadari seemingly has no Zamalek future Zamalek will have no choice but to field inexperienced guardian Mostafa Abdul-Satar against Ismaili on Wednesday in the Egyptian Premier League should Abdul-Wahed be confirmed out of action. Abdul-Satar is yet to make his senior-team debut. Abdul-Wahed's status as Zamalek's first-choice keeper is not likely to change after Al-Hadari serves his suspension, as the latter shot-stopper is set for an imminent exit. Former Ahli goalie Al-Hadari fell out with the 11-time Egyptian champions after he was accused of insulting goalkeeping coach Emad Al-Mandoh during training. He categorically denied swearing at the trainer but stressed that he 'won't set foot in Zamalek again'. Al-Hadari, who turns 38 in January, was sanctioned by FIFA for violating his contract with Ahli in 2008 to join Swiss outfit Sion. He lodged an appeal against the ban, which was imposed last year, but it was turned down by the Swiss Federal Court last month.
