Mohamed Hamdi returns for Pyramids after 239-day absence

Mohamed Hamdi has returned to competitive action for Pyramids after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, ending a 239-day absence from matches.

The left-back was named in Pyramids’ starting line-up for their friendly against National Bank of Egypt on Tuesday. His return marks his first appearance since sustaining the injury during Egypt’s last-16 match against Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations on 5 January 2026.

Hamdi starts as Pyramids use the fixture to prepare for their upcoming matches. The club have selected a number of reserve players for the friendly, while giving Hamdi the opportunity to resume playing after his lengthy rehabilitation.

Pyramids’ line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mahmoud Gad

Defenders: Mohamed Hamdi, Eyad El-Askalany, Osama Galal, Khaled Awad

Midfielders: Ahmed Tawfik, Ahmed Fawzi, Ahmed Atef Qotta

Forwards: Ahmed Abdel Kader, Abdel Rahman Magdy, Ahmed Nader Bou Ali

Hamdi’s injury came in Egypt’s meeting with Benin in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations. Since then, he has been unavailable for Pyramids while recovering from the cruciate ligament problem.

His return comes after Pyramids strengthened their position at the top of the league table. They beat Al Masry 1-0 on Monday in the third round of the competition, recording their third victory in three matches.

That result left Pyramids with nine points and top of the standings. The club’s perfect league record provides the backdrop to Tuesday’s friendly, which is being used to prepare the squad for the matches ahead.

Hamdi’s inclusion in the starting line-up represents the latest stage of his return to football. Having missed 239 days of match action, the defender is now back in the Pyramids team for the fixture against National Bank of Egypt.