The experienced defender has been out of action for nearly five months due to a major knee cartilage tear, which he sustained in December.

Should he return, former Ahli man Al-Shater will give Hodoud a major boost, given that they are struggling with an injury-hit squad.

"Al-Shater's return in training made us really happy," Abou-Taleb Al-Essawi told FilGoal.com.

"We've put him on an intensive (rehabilitation) program to get him ready for the Zamalek game.

"Our team are plagued with injuries and Al-Shater will help us a lot if he makes his comeback."

Egypt forward Ahmed Eid, Ahmed Salama and skipper Mohamed Halim have been nursing respective injuries for quite a while.

Fadi Nagah and Ahmed Salem joined the trio on the sidelines Monday through injury too.

Abdul-Rahman Farouk is to miss the Zamalek match due to automatic suspension.

Hodoud lie 11th with 17 points in the league table while Zamalek are three points clear on top.