Egypt are facing fresh injury concerns ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 meeting with Argentina, with defender Mohamed Hany emerging as a major doubt for the knockout tie.
The right-back is reportedly undergoing medical assessment after suffering a concussion during Egypt’s previous match against Australia, leaving his availability for the clash against the reigning world champions in question.
According to reports, the Egyptian medical team is continuing to monitor Hany’s condition and is awaiting the results of further evaluations before making a final decision on whether he can feature.
The injury has come at an unwelcome time for Egypt, who are preparing for one of the biggest matches in the nation’s football history after reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.
Hany’s situation is not the only concern for the coaching staff.
Defender Ahmed Fatouh is also facing a race against time to be fit after reportedly sustaining a hamstring injury, raising the possibility that Egypt could be without two key defenders for the crucial encounter.
The uncertainty has left the technical staff considering alternative defensive options should either player fail to recover in time.
With a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake, any enforced changes to the backline would present an additional challenge for Egypt as they prepare to face one of the tournament favourites.
The Pharaohs have impressed during their campaign, overcoming Australia on penalties in the Round of 32 to record the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
That historic success earned Egypt a blockbuster meeting with Argentina, who booked their place in the last 16 after defeating Cape Verde.
Attention is now focused on the fitness of Hany and Fatouh, with the Egyptian coaching and medical staff expected to make a decision once the final medical assessments have been completed.
For now, Egypt remain hopeful that at least one of the defenders will be available as they continue preparations for the high-profile showdown with Argentina.
