Hossam Abdel Meguid named on Ludogorets bench for first time against Slavia Sofia

Hossam Abdel Meguid has been included in the Ludogorets squad for the first time since joining the Bulgarian club, but will begin their meeting with Slavia Sofia on the substitutes’ bench.

Ludogorets face Slavia Sofia in the sixth round of the Bulgarian league, with Abdel Meguid’s selection marking his first involvement in the team’s matchday squad since his move to the club.

The defender is not part of the starting line-up, but his place among the substitutes represents his first opportunity to be involved in a competitive fixture for Ludogorets. He will therefore watch the opening stages from the bench as his new side continue their early-season campaign.

Ludogorets’ starting XI is led by goalkeeper Hendrik Bonmann.

Joel Andersson, Simeon Shishkov, Edvin Kurtulus and Anton Nedyalkov form the defensive line, while Elavio Shushiev, Deroy Duarte, Filip Kaloc and Aguibou Camara are selected in midfield.

Rwan Cruz and Alberto Salido are named as the two forwards.

The full Ludogorets line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Hendrik Bonmann

Defenders: Joel Andersson, Simeon Shishkov, Edvin Kurtulus, Anton Nedyalkov

Midfielders: Elavio Shushiev, Deroy Duarte, Filip Kaloc, Aguibou Camara

Forwards: Rwan Cruz, Alberto Salido

Abdel Meguid’s inclusion comes as Ludogorets prepare for their sixth Bulgarian league fixture of the season. Although he does not start against Slavia Sofia, the Egypt international is now part of the club’s official matchday group for the first time since joining.

Ludogorets have made a perfect start to the league campaign. They sit top of the Bulgarian league table with 15 points after winning each of their first five matches.

That record means the match against Slavia Sofia presents Ludogorets with another opportunity to maintain their unbeaten start and preserve their position at the summit. For Abdel Meguid, meanwhile, the fixture is the first step towards making his debut for the club, with his place on the bench confirming his arrival in the team’s first-team plans.

The Bulgarian league leaders will begin the match with Bonmann in goal and a back four of Andersson, Shishkov, Kurtulus and Nedyalkov. Duarte, Kaloc and Camara are among the midfield choices, while Cruz and Salido are tasked with leading the attack.

Abdel Meguid remains among the available substitutes should he be called upon during the game.