Mohamed Abou Treika’s arrival at Bani Yas has been tempered somewhat by the news his fellow Egyptian Mohamed Zidan has left the Abu Dhabi club.

Zidan, 31, only joined Bani Yas on a two-year deal last July, but after struggling with inconsistency and injuries has now been shown the door just a day after Abou-Treika’s unveiling.

The 34-year-old has joined the Pro League club on a six-month loan from Al Ahly, but instead of playing alongside his countryman he will now replace him as Bani Yas’ fourth permitted foreign player.

Explaining the decision to release Zidan, vice-chairman Mubarak Bin Mahroum was scathing of the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz striker, who manged just four goals in 11 games for Bani Yas.

“Zidan missed a lot of matches after claiming to be injured on several occasions,”  Bin Mahroum told CNNArabic.

“We had to drop Zidan because he has been absent many times for reasons that we are not sure about, even though he has always been paid on time.

“I think Zidan has not been caring about Bani Yas like the club have been to him.” 

Zidan had arrived in the UAE on a free transfer from German champions Borussia Dortmund after rejecting the offer of a permanent deal with Mainz, where he had spent the previous six months on loan.

While Abou-Treika’s arrival has stolen the headlines in recent days, news of Zidan’s departure means it’s one Egyptian star in and two out in the Pro League this past week.

Dubai club Al Wasl chose to terminate forward Shikabala’s season-long loan from Zamalek after he too struggled to make an impact in the Pro League.

The 30-year-old forward had been sidelined since mid-December with a knee injury and managed just four goals in 16 appearances in all competitions for the Cheetahs.

Read more:

– Abou-Treika shirt number a poignant tribute to Al Ahly victims

– Abou-Treika: Principled and prodigiously talented

 

* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.