Ahmed Fathi hasn’t featured in Sheffield United’s 2-2 draw with Colchester in their Championship opener on Saturday.

The Egyptian winger was supposed to be among the 18-man squad, but coach Bryan Robson opted to drop him.

James Beattie and Michael Tonge scored for the Blades while Kevin McLeod and Clive Platt’s last minute strike leveled the score line.

Fathi was linked with Zamalek last week after the Cairo club announced that they had an agreement with Sheffield over selling the player’s contract.

But the African Cup of Nations winner denied the reports and said he will stay in England.