Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem leaves Egypt camp ahead of South Africa friendly

Egyptian international Mohamed Abdelmonem has left the national team camp ahead of the friendly against South Africa after reaching a mutual agreement with the technical staff.

The decision was confirmed by his French club Nice, who said the defender’s departure was aimed at protecting his physical condition as he continues his recovery and return to full fitness.

Abdelmonem joined Egypt’s squad during the current international break but did not feature in either of the team’s matches, remaining an unused substitute.

The 27-year-old has been enjoying an encouraging spell with Nice and is gradually rediscovering his best form after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

Nice explained that the decision was taken jointly with the Egyptian national team staff, particularly because of the playing conditions involved in the upcoming fixture.

“By mutual agreement with the Egyptian national team staff, Mohamed Abdelmonem has left the national team camp in order to preserve his physical fitness and safety,” Nice said in an official statement.

The French club added that the decision was influenced by the circumstances surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, including the use of an artificial pitch and the desire of both parties to avoid taking unnecessary risks with the defender.

“This decision was taken jointly, given the circumstances under which the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier was held, especially on artificial turf and with the shared desire not to risk the player’s health,” the statement continued.

Nice stressed that the club remains committed to ensuring Abdelmonem can represent Egypt in the best possible condition whenever he is called up for international duty.

“Nice is doing everything possible to ensure that Mohamed, like all its international players, can join his national team and represent it in the best possible conditions, with particular attention paid to their health, recovery and physical well-being,” the club stated.

The French side also thanked the Egyptian national team staff for their cooperation and understanding during the international window.

“The club would like to thank the Egyptian national team staff for their mutual agreement and understanding, and for the work they did with Mohamed during this meeting,” Nice added.

Abdelmonem will now return to Nice, where he will continue his rehabilitation and training programme as he prepares for the club’s upcoming challenges.

His return to club duty will allow Nice to carefully manage his workload as he continues his comeback from the serious knee injury and seeks to maintain the strong form he has recently shown in France.