Egypt and Zamalek defender Ali Gabr has been forced out of the national team's first training session in South Africa after an ankle injury seems to have resurfaced.

The national team, under the tutelage of manager Hector Cuper, will be taking on South Africa for their second friendly on Tuesday in Johannesburg as they gear up for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo on September 3.

Gabr was forced to quit training after an old ankle problem started acting up, with the team's medical staff fearing an injury relapse.

"In order to avoid an injury relapse, we decided that Gabr should not continue training," Egyptian doctor Mohamed Abul-Ela told FilGoal.com.

"He will undergo scans before Saturday's training session to determine the full extent of his injury,” the doctor said.

"I think there is nothing major and he would participate in the upcoming friendly against South Africa." 

In the absence of robust Ahly centre-back Ahmed Hegazy, also from injury, Gabr looks to be a key member for Argentinean boss Cuper in the team's rearguard.  

Egypt, who booked a place in next year's Africa Cup of Nations, played out a 1-1 friendly home draw with Guinea last week.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)