Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has announced a 26-man squad for the national team’s March training camp, with the notable absence of captain Mohamed Salah due to injury.
The camp, which begins on Sunday, 22 March, forms part of Egypt’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will include two international friendlies against Saudi Arabia national football team and Spain national football team later this month.
Salah’s omission is a significant talking point, with the forward ruled out after sustaining an injury during a recent match against Galatasaray. The striker, who has made 114 appearances for Egypt and scored 66 goals, will miss both fixtures.
The squad also features fresh faces, with two players receiving their first senior call-ups. Haithem Hassan, a 24-year-old winger currently playing for Real Oviedo, has been included after completing administrative procedures to represent Egypt.
The player, who began his professional career in France with LB Châteauroux, brings experience from European football and has heritage linking him to Egypt, Tunisia and France.
Also earning his first call-up is Nasser Mansi of Zamalek. The 28-year-old striker joins the squad following a productive season in which he has recorded six goals and six assists across all competitions.
In defence, Mohamed Abdelmonem returns to the national setup after a lengthy absence caused by a cruciate ligament injury. The Nice defender has resumed training at club level but has yet to feature in a competitive match since his recovery.
The selection reflects a blend of experience and new talent, as Hassan looks to assess options ahead of upcoming competitions. Established names such as Mohamed El-Shenawy, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush are included, alongside emerging players seeking to make an impact at international level.
Egypt’s friendly matches are scheduled for Friday, 27 March, against Saudi Arabia, followed by a second game against Spain on Tuesday, 31 March. Both fixtures are expected to provide valuable preparation as the team builds towards the World Cup.
The squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shoubier, Mahdi Suleiman, Mohamed Alaa
Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Tarek Hamed, Rami Rabiaa, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Yasser Ibrahim, Essam Abdel-Magid, Khaled Sobhy, Ahmed Fotouh, Ahmed Nabil Kouka
Midfielders: Hamdi Fathi, Marwan Mohsen, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Imam Ashour, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel, Haithem Hassan, Islam Eissa
Forwards: Mostafa Mohamed, Nasser Mansi
