Zamalek Club is preparing to play its first match of the new season today, Friday, against Al-Ittihad Alexandria in the first round of the Premier League.
Zamalek will begin its title defense journey against the "Leader of the Port" in the tournament, under the leadership of head coach Maamoun Gamal.
The match will be marked by the absence of the team's most prominent player, Brazilian Juan Bezerra, who has been in conflict with the Zamalek Club administration due to his desire to leave the team.
Zamalek's pre-season preparation period did not include the Brazilian Bezerra, as the player has not yet returned to Cairo to participate in team training.
In recent days, statements have been issued by both parties, with Bezerra demanding his departure from the team, while the club confirmed that there is no intention to sell the player, clearly indicating their determination to keep him.
Zamalek announced that the player will face administrative sanctions due to his absence from team training, especially since the new season will begin in hours without him.
Bezerra is considered one of the most influential players in the team, having directly contributed to the club's victory in the league last season and its advancement to the final of the African Confederation Cup.
What will Zamalek do without Bezerra?
Last season, the Brazilian Bezerra was absent from several Zamalek matches, and those encounters yielded mixed results for the White team.
In the African Confederation Cup, Bezerra was absent from the match against Zesco United in the group stage, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Zamalek.
In the Egyptian League, Bezerra did not play against Ceramica Cleopatra, and Zamalek won 2-0, while the team drew in another match without the player.
Bezerra also sat on the bench during the league match against El-Ismaيلي Electric, and Zamalek managed to secure a big 5-2 victory.
In the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final, Bezerra was absent from the match against Pyramids, which Zamalek won 5-4 on penalties after the regular time ended in a draw.
In the last of the mentioned matches, the player was absent from the league match against Al-Ittihad Alexandria, in which Zamalek suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat.
Zamalek vs. Al-Ittihad Match Schedule
The match between Zamalek and Al-Ittihad is scheduled for today, Friday, at 8:00 PM Cairo time.
