Zamalek are preparing to begin their Egyptian Premier League campaign against Al Ittihad Alexandria, but their opening match will be missing two highly anticipated names. Head coach Moataz Gamal has opted not to rely on Abdullah El-Said and Chico Banza in the league opener.

The decision comes as the two players have yet to reach full match fitness. Over the past few days, they have followed a separate fitness and rehabilitation program designed to improve their physical condition and gradually prepare them for a full return to team training and competitive action.

A Calculated Absence

The players' absence is not attributed to a new injury, according to the reports, but mainly to the fact that they did not take part in Zamalek's entire pre-season preparation period. This prompted the coaching staff to take a cautious approach to their return.

Abdullah El-Said and Chico Banza have been completing specialized training sessions under the supervision of the club's fitness staff as part of a plan aimed at bringing both players up to the required level before they are introduced into official matches.

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Zamalek have continued their preparations for the new season through a series of friendly matches before entering the final stage of their preparations for their league opener against Al Ittihad Alexandria on Friday, August 21, at Cairo International Stadium.

The Goal: Preparation Without Rushing

The coaching staff believes that rushing either player into action before reaching full fitness would not be the best option at the beginning of a long season. As a result, the club has chosen to give them additional time to complete their preparation.

Zamalek therefore appear willing to sacrifice the duo's participation in one match rather than risk their physical readiness at such an early stage of the campaign, particularly with a long domestic and continental schedule ahead.

The timing of Abdullah El-Said and Chico Banza's return to official matches will depend on their physical and technical progress in the coming training sessions, meaning their involvement in Zamalek's next games will ultimately be determined by whether they reach the level of readiness required by the coaching staff.