CAIRO: Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari played down injury fears as he confirmed that he is ready to face Zambia in next week s World Cup qualifier.

The 35-year-old missed Sion s recent league defeat to Aarau with a muscle problem, fueling concerns over his fitness.

The recent injury is not worrying, I feel much better now and I am ready to play, Al-Hadari told FilGoal.com.

I can t wait to represent Egypt in such an important game.

Al-Hadari has been Egypt s first-choice keeper throughout Hassan Shehata s ongoing reign at the helm of the African champions.

Egypt will kickoff their final qualifying phase against Zambia on Sunday, before facing Algeria and Rwanda midway through 2009.