CAIRO: Mohamed Zidan revealed that his club Hamburg SV is insisting that he makes a swift return to Germany, following his African Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt.

The Bundesliga side will meet FC Zurich in the UEFA Cup on Thursday and manager Huub Stevens expects Zidan to be ready for the clash.

I have to get back to Germany immediately because the club officials insist that I return before Thursday, he told Egyptian state TV.

I tried to get some rest, but the club needs me and I have to return.

Zidan also said that HSV asked him to pull out of the Egypt squad before the Ghana finals, but he refused to snub the national team.

The 26-year-old forward, who was largely involved in Egypt s winning goal against Cameroon in the final, has rarely played for Hamburg so far this season.