Salah, Hegazi join Egypt camp for the eSwatini test

Ahmed Abd El Rasoul, Wednesday 10 Oct 2018

The Pharaohs host eSwatini in Cairo on Friday before facing them away four days later

Egypt

Liverpool star winger Mohamed Salah and West Bromwich defender Ahmed Hegazy joined Egypt's training camp Wednesday amid final preparations for first match on Friday in the double-header against eSwatini in the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

"The squad is full now after the arrival of Salah and Hegazy to the camp on Wednesday morning," read a statement by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

"Coach Aguirre gave the duo some time to rest yesterday, as Salah exerted huge efforts in the Liverpool match against Manchester City, while Hegazy will be already absent in the first match against eSwatini due to suspension," the statement added.

The Pharaohs, who are second in Group J with three points, three behind leaders Tunisia, host eSwatini in Cairo on Friday before facing them away four days later in the fourth round of the qualifiers.

"Salah had a light training session upon his arrival while the whole team will have their ordinary training session later today, but it will be behind closed doors," explained the EFA statement.

A week ago, Mexican coach Javier Aguirre named 15 home-based players to join the 12 overseas-based ones who were called previously for the double-encounter against Swaziland.

Although striking duo Ahmed Ali of Arab Contractors and Ahly's Salah Mohsen were ruled out of the camp due to injury, Aguirre decided not to call alternatives.

Last month, Egypt hammered Niger in Alexandria to give Aguirre a winning start after he replaced Argentinean boss Hector Cuper following an embarrassing World Cup campaign.

The top two in the group will qualify for next year's Nations Cup finals in Cameroon.

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