CAIRO: Amr Zaki still has a chance to feature in Egypt s crucial World Cup qualifier at Rwanda, assistant coach Shawki Gharib said on Thursday.
The Zamalek striker was not included in a 23-man squad announced by Egypt coach Hassan Shehata after picking up a foot injury in Zamalek’s league draw at Arab Contractors on Monday.
The Cairo club said he would be sidelined for a week but Gharib insists he will be part of the Pharaohs preparations for the anticipated tie against Rwanda on Sept. 5.
Scans showed that Zaki can fully recover within three days. He will join Egypt s training on Saturday, Shehata s assistant told FilGoal.com.
The Bulldozer s possible return from injury is a much-needed boost for Shehata, who has shortage of options upfront.
Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan was snubbed after failing to show up for Egypt s friendly game against Guinea earlier this month without excuse.
Ahmed “Mido Hossam, who joined Zamalek from English side Middlesbrough on a season-long loan, is still short of match fitness.
Egypt s squad boasts several inexperienced strikers, including ENPPI s Ahmed Raouf and Petrojet s Al-Sayed Hamdi.
The six-time African champions lie second in Group C with four points, three behind leaders Algeria with three matches remaining.
Only the group winners will qualify for next year s World Cup finals in South Africa.
