Zamalek winger Mostafa Fathi might not have enough time to fully recover from injury and make Egypt's squad for the African Cup of Nations, the Pharaohs' assistant coach said on Wednesday.
The Nations Cup kicks off on 14 January and it might be difficult for Fathi, who picked up a knee injury early in November, to regain match fitness before Egypt announce their squad for the biennial tournament, Mahmoud Fayez said.
"It's unlikely that Fathi will be available for selection … he still needs 20 more days to return to action," Hector Cuper's assistant told an Egyptian radio station.
"After he returns to action, he must play a game or two with Zamalek to be considered for selection and I'm not sure if the club will give him this chance."
Fathi is dubbed a super substitute because his late introduction usually turns the tide in Zamalek's favour. His trickery down the flanks and tendency to cut inside and shoot from tight angles made him one of the team's key players.
The 22-year-old made his Egypt debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in June 2015. He has six international caps and one assist to his name.
"Fathi is an important member of Egypt's squad but he has been out of action for a month and half now," Fayez added.
Egypt begin their training camp for the Nations Cup on 1 January and face Tunisia in their only friendly game before the tournament seven days later.
The record seven-time African champions will take on Ghana, Mali and Uganda in Group D of the Nations Cup, which will be played in Gabon from 14 January to 5 February.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)