Egypt’s Haitham Hassan ruled out of South Africa friendly as Pharaohs manage injury

Egypt will be without Haitham Hassan for their friendly against South Africa after the Celtic player was rested because of an injury.

The decision was taken by head coach Hossam Hassan on the recommendation of the national team’s medical staff, led by Dr Mohamed Abou El Ela. Haitham Hassan is recovering from the injury and will not be involved in the match.

Egypt completed their final training session at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening as they prepared for the friendly, which will bring their current camp to a close.

Twenty-two players took part in the session after Ahmed Fattouh returned to full team training. The player had completed his rehabilitation programme following a thigh contusion suffered during Egypt’s 5-0 victory over South Sudan in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Egypt will face South Africa at Cairo International Stadium at 21:00 local time on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah will also miss the fixture after returning to his Turkish club Trabzon. His absence follows reports of a dispute with Egypt’s coaching staff after the Pharaohs’ match against Angola.

Egypt began the current international break with a goalless home draw against Angola in the opening match of their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

They then responded with a 5-0 away victory against South Sudan, before turning their attention to the South Africa friendly.