The on-loan striker Amr Zaki's days at Wigan appear to be numbered after manager Steve Bruce branded him the most unprofessional player he has ever worked with.

Zaki was due to be back with his club on Tuesday, more than 36 hours after his international match against Zambia, and while his fellow Egypt international Mido made it Zaki did not. Despite numerous attempts by club officials to contact the player, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Wednesday, he could not be traced.

This is the fourth time this season the El Zamalek striker has returned late from international duty and he will be fined heavily by Bruce. "I just feel it's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with," said the Wigan manager. "I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional.

"I am right behind my players representing their countries, it is a tremendous honour for the club. This is not the issue here. My South American players, for instance, have to go much longer distances but I have never had a problem with any of them. In Zaki's case it really defies belief from a player who is on loan and trying to earn himself a long-term contract.

"I'm sick of answering questions about Zaki's whereabouts and I don't want anything to distract the players from preparing for another massive game for us on Sunday against Everton. Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pay him a very good wage and equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands. I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.

"This situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally."

The Latics have received a faxed report from the Egypt team doctor claiming Zaki has a hamstring injury and needed rest but that has not been backed up by the required scan to highlight the problem. "I really am at the end of my tether with him," said Bruce. "Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine.

"This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training. I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect. I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad, who – to a man – behave totally professionally."

Ironically, prior to Christmas Zaki was one player who was being talked about as a major target for a number of Premier League clubs, after scoring nine goals in his first 13 matches for Wigan. However, he has not found the net in 10 matches since 28 December and injuries have disrupted the middle of his season.