Zamalek playmaker Shikabala was excluded from the White Knights' squad for their Thursday's league game with Gaish at Military Academy Stadium. The 23-year-old, who has just recuperated from a groin injury, was named in the provisional squad but the coaching staff omitted him a day later. FilGoal.com understands that Shikabala was left out as a result of his refusal to be a benchwarmer. "The technical staff are entitled to pick any player they want for the starting eleven," assistant coach Abdul-Rehim Mohamed commented on the Egypt international's omission. Left back Mohamed Abdul-Shafi, who missed Zamalek's last league game against Ittihad due to technical reasons, was named for the clash against the Military side. Newly-signed striker Sayed Mosaad was snubbed, while foreign duo Rémi Adiko and Ibrahim Ayew were both included in the 18-man list. Zamalek's squad: Goalkeepers: Abdul-Wahed al-Sayed – Mohamed Abdul-Monsef. Defenders: Hani Saied – Ahmed Magdi – Amr Safti – Amr Adel – Ahmed Ghanem – Sabri Rahil – Mohamed Abdul-Shafi. Midfielders: Ahmed Abdul-Raouf – Ahmed Al-Merghani – Hazem Emam – Hassan Mostafa – Ibrahim Salah – Rémi Adiko. Strikers: Mido – Amr Zaki – Sherif Ashraf.