Egypt await fitness decisions on Emam Ashour, Zico and Trezeguet for September camp

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan is waiting for medical and match-fitness updates on Emam Ashour, Pyramids striker Zico and Al Riyadh winger Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” before deciding whether the three players will join the national team’s September camp.

Egypt are scheduled to face Angola and South Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying before playing South Africa in a friendly.

A source within the Egypt squad told FilGoal.com: “The national team staff are waiting to determine whether Emam Ashour and Mostafa Zico will play for Al Ahly and Pyramids before making a decision about their inclusion in the September camp.”

Both Ashour and Zico have been out of action for their clubs since the start of the season because of injury.

Ashour has been included in Al Ahly’s squad for their meeting with Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the fourth round. Al Ahly manager Hussein Ammouta selected the midfielder as the club assesses his readiness to return.

Pyramids have also confirmed that Mostafa Abdel Raouf “Zico” is fit to feature against El Gouna in the same round of matches.

The Egypt coaching staff will use the players’ involvement, or lack of it, to help determine whether they can be called up for international duty.

The source also said the national team are waiting for a medical report on Trezeguet’s injury before deciding on his participation.

Trezeguet suffered a hamstring injury during Al Riyadh’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Khaleej. The winger was unable to continue and left the field in the opening minutes of the game.

The Egypt international received permission from Al Riyadh’s management to travel to Egypt for the necessary medical examinations. The tests are intended to provide a clearer assessment of the nature and seriousness of the injury.

There is an indication that Trezeguet may have played against Al Khaleej without having fully recovered. He was absent from Al Riyadh’s match against Al Ahli on Friday because of a muscular problem.

Egypt will host Angola on 25 September before travelling to face South Sudan on 29 September. The Pharaohs will then play South Africa in a friendly in Cairo on 4 October.

Hassan’s staff will therefore have to monitor the three players’ condition closely before finalising the September camp plans. Ashour and Zico’s involvement with their clubs is expected to provide the next indication of their availability, while Trezeguet’s medical assessment will determine whether he can take part in the upcoming international fixtures.