Zamalek midfielder Mahmoud Jihad denies fearing injury after early exit against Petroleum Assiut

Zamalek midfielder Mahmoud Jihad denied fearing injury after leaving the Petroleum Assiut match early, responding to his coach and critics.

• Zamalek beat Petroleum Assiut 1-0 on Tuesday in the Egyptian league's seventh round, with Jihad leaving the field in the 38th minute with adductor pain.
• Coach Mo'tamed Gamal said Jihad feared injury and asked not to continue the match when feeling pain.
• Jihad said injuries were fate from God, that he is not afraid, and that he accepts technical criticism but rejects mockery of his injuries.
• Former Egyptian star Reda Abdel-Aal said Jihad gets injured frequently and that a young player would be more useful to the club.