Egypt lose Mohamed Abdelmonem for South Africa friendly after Nice agreement

Egypt will be without defender Mohamed Abdelmonem for Sunday’s international friendly against South Africa after the Nice centre-back returned to his club.

Abdelmonem left the Egypt camp following an agreement between Nice and the Pharaohs’ technical staff, with the French club saying the decision was made to protect the player’s fitness and physical wellbeing.

Nice confirmed the defender’s departure in a statement, citing concerns over the conditions surrounding Egypt’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, particularly the use of an artificial playing surface.

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

The Ligue 1 club added that the decision was taken jointly because of the circumstances surrounding the qualifier and the desire to avoid exposing the player to unnecessary physical risks.

“This decision was taken jointly, given the circumstances under which the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match was being held, especially on an artificial turf pitch, and with the mutual desire not to risk the player’s health,” the club added.

Nice said it remains committed to supporting its players when they represent their countries, while ensuring they return to their clubs in suitable physical condition.

“Nice does everything in its power to ensure that Mohamed, like all its international players, can join his national team and represent it in the best possible conditions, with special attention paid to their health, recovery and physical safety,” the statement said.

The club also thanked the Egyptian national team staff for their cooperation and understanding during the international break.

Abdelmonem will now return to Nice, where he will continue his training ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures.

His withdrawal is another setback for Egypt as they prepare to face South Africa in Cairo on Sunday, with the Pharaohs having already seen several players based in Europe affected during the current international window.