Despite suffering an injury-plagued season with Egyptian league champions Ahly, Saad Samir remains a regular member of Egypt's squad but not an automatic choice for coach Hector Cuper.

The 29-year old was fiercely criticised by Ahly's fans after some fatal errors back in 2016, but he recovered admirably to prove a key player in the heart of Ahly's defence in the absence of injured teammate Rami Rabia, and also after the departure of Ahmed Hegazi to West Bromwich Albion in 2017.

A strong defender who is almost unbeatable in physical duels, Samir fits well in Cuper's scheme.

Samir was already part of Egypt's squad for the 2017 African Cup of Nations as the Pharaohs reached the final on their first appearance in the tournament in seven years.

The Nations Cup, which was held in Gabon, was Samir's first major international tournament with the national team. He made just one appearance as a late substitute against Morocco in the quarter-finals. He has made nine international appearances since earning his first call-up in 2014.

"One just has to do his best and his efforts will surely be crowned at the end. I'm honoured to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations," Samir said at the time.

Samir is likely to serve as a back-up to Ahmed Hegazi and Ali Gabr, who are Cuper's preferred choices in the heart of defence.