File Photo: Egyptian National team and technical staff during a training session (Ahram)
Egypt coach Hector Cuper called up 17 foreign-based players on Tuesday for the March training camp amid preparations for the 2018 World Cup, which will kick off in Russia in June.
The Pharaohs, who reached the World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years, will hold two training camps ahead of football's most prestigious tournament.
The first camp for the seven-time African Champions will be held in Switzerland from 20 to 28 March. They are due to play two friendly matches against Portugal and Greece on 23 and 27 March respectively.
Maqassa midfielder Hussein El-Shahat, who currently plays on loan for UAE side Al-Ain, was called up for the camp after his recent outstanding performances, while Bidvest Wits' on-loan striker Amr Gamal was the prominent absentee.
The local-based squad is set to be announced on 10 March, according to the Pharaohs' administrative manager Ihab Leheta.
In the final training camp before the World Cup, Hector Cuper's men will first play Kuwait then Belgium. A third match is yet to be arranged.
Egypt have been placed in Group A of the World Cup along with hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
The 17 foreign-based players:
Goalkeeper: Essam El-Hadary (Taawoun, Saudi)
Defenders: Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa, England), Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Al-Fateh, KSA), Ahmed Hegazy (West Bromwich, England), Ali Gabr (West Bromwich, England), Omar Gaber (Los Angeles FC, USA)
Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal, England), Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Sam Morsi (Wigan, England), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City, England), Huessin El-Shahaat (Al-Ain, UAE)
Forwards: Shikabala (Al-Raed, Saudi Arabia), Momen Zakaria (Al-Ahli, Saudi), Mahmoud Kahraba (Ittihad Jeddah, KSA), Amr Warda (Atromitos, Greece), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Ahmed Koka (Sporting Braga, Portugal)
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