Veteran defender Mohamed Abdel-Shafy has pulled out of the Egypt squad for the upcoming final World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
The left-back, who plies his trade with Saudi Professional League side Al-Ahli, has withdrawn from the match due for Sunday due to an injury.
The Egyptian FA confirmed the absence of the 32-year-old on Monday.
National team doctor Mohamed Abou El-Ela explained that Abdel-Shafy needs a week to return to full training after he picked up the injury with his club.
Sunday’s game at the Cape Coast Stadium will be the first World Cup qualifier the defender is missing as he featured in the five group games, assisting once against Congo.
Despite the blow, Coach Hector Cuper has a number of options to fill Abdel-Shafy’s position – 21-year-old Karim Hafez, Ahmed Fathi and Omar Gaber are good alternatives for the left-back role against the Black Stars.
The Pharaohs have already qualified for the 2018 Fifa World Cup after collecting 12 points from five games, while Ghana sit third with only six points.
