Nantes' Mostafa Mohamed returns to training but confined to reserve squad

Ahram Online , Thursday 23 Jul 2026

Egyptian forward Mostafa Mohamed has returned to FC Nantes' training base after a prolonged absence, with coach Michel Der Zakarian saying the striker will train and remain with the club's reserve squad until the end of the summer transfer window.

Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed. AFP

Asked about Mohamed's reappearance following weeks of unexplained absence, Der Zakarian confirmed he was aware of the player's return but made clear it changed little in the short term.

"I'm aware of it, but he is required today to train with the reserves — to be in the reserve dressing room until the end of the transfer window," Der Zakarian told reporters.

The coach added that Mohamed should not be counted on for Ligue 2 duty for now, citing the circumstances of his absence. "Don't count on him for now for Ligue 2, given what happened," he said. "We can't count on someone who comes back three weeks after the restart, or even four."

Although Nantes began pre-season training on 24 June, Mohamed failed to show up, returning to the squad on Wednesday 22 July and missing more than three weeks of preparation. Der Zakarian had previously said the club would withhold the striker's pay over the unauthorized absence.

The 28-year-old's future at Nantes has been in doubt since the club's relegation to Ligue 2 in May, its first drop to the second tier since 2013. He has been linked with a move back to Egypt, with Zamalek and Pyramids FC both reported to be interested in signing him.

Mohamed was also left out of Egypt's squad for the 2026 World Cup by national team coach Hossam Hassan, who defended the decision as purely technical. Egypt reached the round of 16 at the tournament before losing 3-2 to Argentina.

Speaking separately about Nantes' first pre-season friendly, Der Zakarian said his side had shown flashes of quality in the second half after a difficult opening 45 minutes, with several fringe and reserve players, including forward Marcus Ganago, catching his eye. He said the club still needed further squad additions before the transfer window closes, adding that some current players were expected to depart as Nantes trims what he described as an oversized squad.

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