Essam El-Hadary (Photo: Ahram Online archive)
Ismaily's veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary returned to Egypt's squad on Sunday after coach Shawky Gharib decided to call him up for Wednesday's clash against Tunisia in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 41-year-old will replace Ahmed El-Shennawy, who sustained an injury after falling akwardly on his ankle during Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Senegal at Cairo Stadium.
El-Shennawy was at fault for Senegal's solitary goal, making a poor jump to allow Mame Diouf to head home following a free-kick.
El-Hadary was dropped from the squad that lost to Senegal after reportedly rejecting a bench role.
The former Ahly and Zamalek man, who is widely regarded as one of Egypt's best-ever keepers, was named in the team's squad for the opening two defeats by Senegal and Tunisia in September but expressed his displeasure over his status as a stand-in. He was consequently dropped by Gharib for the following games.
Egypt, who are third in Group with six points, need to beat Tunisia away from home to stand a chance of finishing as the best third-placed side in the seven groups - a target that looks highly unlikely.
They have not qualified for the Nations Cup since lifting the last of their record seven trophies in 2010 in Angola.
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