Ayman El Ramady could return for Wadi Degla match, says National Bank of Egypt chairman

National Bank of Egypt chairman Ashraf Nassar says manager Ayman El Ramady could return to the dugout for the club’s upcoming match against Wadi Degla.

El Ramady has been absent after suffering a health problem, with assistant coach Assem Salah taking charge of the team in his absence.

National Bank of Egypt ended a difficult start to the Egyptian Premier League season with a 3-0 victory over Tala’ea El-Gaish in the sixth round.

“We needed this victory because our campaign since the start of the league has not been what we expected or what National Bank of Egypt deserve,” Nassar told Modern Sport.

“But the win restored the players’ confidence and we want to achieve positive results in the remaining matches before the next international break.”

Nassar said the squad had responded to the pressure after dropping points in their opening fixtures.

“All the players at National Bank of Egypt are like my sons and there is mutual affection between us,” he added.

“But they felt the responsibility and understood that we could not afford to lose any more points. We managed to beat a strong team such as Tala’ea El-Gaish.”

The chairman also provided an update on striker Osama Faisal, who has undergone surgery and is expected to begin rehabilitation immediately.

“Osama Faisal has had the operation and has been discharged from hospital. He will start his rehabilitation straight away,” Nassar said.

“The tear was small and only a small part was removed. The doctor expects him to return to the pitch within a month.”

Nassar said El Ramady’s recovery was progressing and that the manager remained in contact with the coaching staff.

“Ayman El Ramady has improved during his recovery period, but he is following everything alongside the coaching staff,” he said.

“It is possible that he will return for the upcoming match against Wadi Degla.”

Nassar also denied reports that National Bank of Egypt were negotiating to sign Ali Hamdy or Mahmoud El Gazar.

“There have been no negotiations to sign Ali Hamdy or Mahmoud El Gazar, whether officially, informally, verbally or in any other form,” he said.

“If we receive any offers for one of our players, we will first consider the head coach’s opinion and whether it is possible to replace that player. We will then look at the player’s wishes, and only if those first two matters are satisfactory will we consider the financial aspect.”