Egypt striker Mostafa Mohamed made to train with reserves after Nantes return

Egypt international Mostafa Mohamed has returned to Nantes for pre-season after an extended absence, with the French club reportedly instructing the striker to train with the reserve side until further notice.

The 28-year-old, who was omitted from Egypt’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by head coach Hossam Hassan, had been expected back for pre-season on 24 June but failed to report, leaving the Ligue 2 club uncertain about his whereabouts.

Delayed return prompts disciplinary response

French newspaper Ouest-France reported that Mohamed returned to the club’s training centre earlier this week and completed an individual training session on Wednesday.

However, rather than joining the senior squad, which is currently holding a week-long training camp in La Baule, the former Zamalek forward has been assigned to train with the reserve team.

The report also claimed Nantes had been sending the striker daily messages since 24 June, informing him that his salary would be withheld until he returned to the club.

Coach frustrated as transfer uncertainty continues

Nantes head coach Michel Der Zakarian expressed his frustration over the situation, saying the player’s absence was a personal decision.

“The player doesn’t want to come to training, that’s his problem, not ours. If he doesn’t want to train, he should stay at home.”

Mohamed has made little secret of his desire to leave Nantes this summer, particularly after the club’s relegation to France’s second division reportedly led to a reduction in his salary.

Despite that, Nantes are not expected to allow the Egyptian striker to leave without a transfer fee. The club signed him from Galatasaray for €6.5 million in 2023, although reports suggest interest in the forward has been limited with just one year remaining on his contract.