Islam Eissa disappointed with Egyptian FA support after World Cup injury, says agent

Islam Eissa has been left “upset” by what he feels is a lack of moral support from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) following the serious knee injury that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, his agent has claimed.

Eissa, who plays for Ceramica Cleopatra, suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during Egypt’s friendly against Spain in March, only weeks before the tournament.

The 28-year-old had established himself in the national team set-up and started both of Egypt’s March friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain, but the injury ended his hopes of featuring at the World Cup.

Ehab El-Mohass, Eissa’s agent, told FilGoal.com that the player was disappointed by the response from the game’s authorities in his homeland after Egypt’s World Cup campaign.

“The player feels a state of resentment because of the lack of moral support from EFA officials after returning from the World Cup,” El-Mohass said.

He added that Eissa had not been seeking special treatment, but had hoped for recognition of the circumstances in which his tournament dream was cut short.

“The injury that Islam Eissa suffered is fate, and he believes in that, but he was waiting for appreciation,” El-Mohass continued. “In contrast, Hossam Hassan is always keen to support the player.”

Support from Hossam Hassan

National team coach Hossam Hassan has been in regular contact with the Ceramica Cleopatra midfielder since the injury, according to his representative.

El-Mohass stressed that Hassan’s backing had been a key source of encouragement for Eissa during the early stages of his rehabilitation.

Hassan was in charge of Egypt for the March international break, during which Eissa started the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain and appeared to strengthen his claim for a place in the World Cup squad.

However, his outing against Spain ended in distress after a challenge from Fermin Lopez left him with a torn cruciate ligament. He was forced off and later scans confirmed the severity of the damage.

Surgery in Germany

Eissa underwent surgery on the injured knee in Germany in May, shortly before the World Cup began.

The operation was carried out after consultations with specialists, and the player has since started his recovery programme, although no specific timetable for his return has been disclosed in El-Mohass’s comments.

As a result of the injury and subsequent surgery, Eissa missed the entire World Cup 2026 campaign with Egypt, having previously appeared to be in contention for a role under Hassan.

El-Mohass underlined that his client accepts the injury as part of football, but feels that the emotional and psychological impact of missing a major tournament was not fully acknowledged by the EFA.

Eissa remains under contract with Ceramica Cleopatra and is focusing on completing his rehabilitation, while continuing to receive support from Hassan and the national team staff, according to his agent.