Egypt coach Hassan Shehata might have no option but to field a fringe keeper in next week's friendly against Australia after Zamalek's Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed aggravated a groin injury. Al-Sayed looked to have recovered from the groin injury in time to take part in Zamalek's Egyptian Premier League clash against Ismaili on Wednesday but he still appeared to be affected by the complaint. He couldn't make his trademark diving saves and was at fault for Ismaili's second goal although Zamalek eventually won 3-2. He parried an innocuous free kick into the path of substitute Ahmed Ali, who made no mistake from close range to find the net few moments after his second-half introduction. "I hurt my groin again," Zamalek skipper Al-Sayed said after his side moved three points clear of arch-rivals Ahli at the top of the league table. "I will undergo scans within the next few hours to determine the extent of the new problem." Al-Sayed was certain to start Egypt's game against Australia next Wednesday due to the suspension of first-choice goalie Essam Al-Hadari. But he is now a major doubt for the Pharaohs' first match following their stunning 1-0 defeat at Niger in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. "I will join up with the national team if the coach selects me," the 33-year-old goalie added. "But I don't know yet whether I will be available to play. I will have medical checks under the supervision of Egypt's doctor." If Al-Sayed does not play, Shehata will rely on an inexperienced keeper to stand between the sticks against 2010 World Cup participants Australia. Ismaili's Mohamed Sobhi and Ahli's Mahmoud Aboul-Saoud could be in contention to play.
