Egypt have been hit with another setback ahead of their international friendly against Nigeria, as one of The Pharaohs’ new invitees, fast-rising goalkeeper, Amer Amer has been ruled out of the game due to injury.
Sports247.ng gathered that The Pharaohs, who are already without Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Ahmed Gahzi of West Bromwich Albion for Tuesday’s match at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba will now have to find another back-up keeper for their trip to the Delta State capital.
Amer who has been in superlative form for his club, Entag El-harby, was invited as a late call-up by Egypt’s coach, Javier Aguirre as a replacement for Al Wehda’s injured first choice. Mohamed Awad.
However, with Amer also picking up a knock during training at Borg El Rabi Stadium, Aguirre is turning towards Zamalek’s Mahmoud Gennesh, Ahmed El-Shennawy of Pyramids and Smouha’s Mahmoud Abou-Gabal.
However, Egypt’s assistant coach Hany Ramzy disclosed that Aguirre already has 80-90% of his 2019 African Cup of Nations squad settled.
The Pharaohs have automatically qualified for the continental event, but still travel to Niger Republic this Saturday for their final qualifier before moving on to Nigeria for the friendly in Asaba.
Aguirre named a 25-man squad for the games, but Ramzy disclosed that the final squad announcement for the tournament is due in two months.
He explained that the guaranteed players will join those that pass their tests against Niger Republic and Nigeria, given the competitive flare they expect from the Super Eagles at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
Ramzy revealed: “Aguirre has settled on 80-90% of the names that will join our squad at the African Cup.
“We feel comfortable as we are guaranteed a spot at the finals that will be played at home.
“The final squad will be announced in two months, so will involve a bigger vision after we have seen the new faces play at this camp.
“Leaving out some players this time doesn’t mean that they won’t join the team again.”
