CAIRO: Zamalek striker Amr Zaki said he is facing a race against time to regain fitness ahead of Tuesday s Cairo derby against arch-rivals Ahly.
The Egyptian international has not played for Zamalek since picking up a hamstring injury in the Pharaohs 1-0 defeat to Algeria in a World Cup playoff on Nov. 18.
He is now eager to recover in time for the anticipated clash at Cairo Stadium as relegation-threatened Zamalek, once a heavyweight in Egyptian football, aim to end a barren run that saw them slump to three successive defeats.
I m doing my best along with the medical team to make Zamalek s squad for the game, Zaki told FilGoal.com.
The Cairo side s new coach Hossam Hassan, whose debut ended in a 2-1 defeat to Harras Hodoud, will be hoping to have the prolific marksman available at his disposal to play alongside Ahmed “Mido Hossam against Ahly.
Although Zaki has failed to regain top form since ending a season-long loan with English side Wigan Athletic last term, his presence remains vital for Zamalek.
The White Knights, 11-time league champions who had never been relegated to the second division, are just one point above the danger zone.
Leaders Ahly, who aim to win a sixth consecutive league title, are five points clear of second-placed and fierce rivals Ismaili.
