The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said in a statement on Friday that Ahly's Fathi and Zamalek's Ashour were both injured, although it did specify what kind of injuries both men had picked up.

Both players featured in Egypt's 1-0 home win over Guinea last Sunday and a stunning 2-0 loss to Ethiopia on Thursday in their opening two games of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Egypt are also missing another central midfielder in Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny, who sat out the Group D matches because of an injury.

Aston Villa's Mahmoud Trezeguet will be also unavailable against South Korea, the EFA added. The governing body did not clarify though whether Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who missed the loss against Ethiopia due to a minor complaint, will be available.

Egypt's under-fire coach Ehab Galal called up Enppi winger Mostafa Shalabi, who is uncapped, for the friendly game, the EFA said in another statement.

The Pharaohs will be looking for a morale-boosting win against South Korea after a disastrous showing against Ethiopia, with reports suggesting that any other stumble will cost Galal his job.

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