Egypt's left-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi in the Pharaohs training camp ahead of Ghana match (Photo: EFA's official facebook page)
Egypt's left-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi has been confirmed out of the away game against Ghana in the last round of the African qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup due to injury.
The Pharaohs, who have already clinched the qualifying ticket in Group E, will be hosted by the Black stars in Cape Coast on 12 November.
"Cuper decided to omit Abdel-Shafi from the current training camp as he needs one week at least to recover from his injury according to the national team's doctor," the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) revealed in a statement on Facebook late on Monday.
The 32-year old Abdel-Shafi, who currently plays for Al-Ahli Saudi FC, had already joined the Egyptian team camp on Monday, but medical scans revealed that he suffers from a knee injury.
"Cuper decided not to call a replacement for Abdel-Shafi," national team supervisor Ehab Leheta told Egyptian sports website FilGoal.com.
On 23 October, Egypt's coach Hector Cuper called up 16 foreign-based players for the Ghana game, before adding nine local-based players from Ahly and Zamalek for the squad on Wednesday.
Egypt ended a 27-year World Cup drought after defeating Congo 2-1 earlier this month to book their ticket for next year's World Cup in Russia.
Seven-time African champions, Egypt has only made two World Cup appearances, both in Italy, in 1934 and 1990.
Seven-time African champions, Egypt have only made two World Cup appearances, both in Italy, in 1934 and 1990.
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