Egypt manager Hossam Hassan is preparing for a busy international break, with three players emerging as possible additions to his squad as the Pharaohs begin their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Among those being considered is Amr El-Gazzar, the Al-Ahly defender who has previously worked with Hassan at international level. Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata is also in contention for a return, while Al-Ahly midfielder Ali Mahmoud is being closely monitored by the national team coaching staff.
Egypt are scheduled to play three matches during the upcoming international window, which runs from 21 September to 6 October. The Pharaohs will begin their qualifying campaign at home against Angola on 25 September before travelling to Juba to face South Sudan four days later.
Hassan’s side will then finish the camp with a friendly against South Africa in Cairo on 4 October.
The Egyptian Football Association has already begun preparations for the squad, with the national team’s administrative department instructed to send official call-ups to a number of Egypt’s overseas-based players.
The summonses have been issued in line with the dates established by Fifa regulations governing the release of professional players for international duty.
World Cup players set for Egypt return
The group of foreign-based players called up for the camp is expected to largely mirror the group that represented Egypt at the 2026 World Cup.
That list includes captain Mohamed Salah, who now plays for Trabzonspor, and Tottenham Hotspur forward Omar Marmoush.
Barcelona striker Hamza Abdel Karim and Nordsjælland winger Ibrahim Adel are also among the players expected to receive international call-ups.
The wider group of professionals includes Celtic winger Haitham Hassan, Al-Wakrah midfielder Hamdi Fathi and Al-Najma midfielder Nabil Dunga.
France-based defender Mohamed Abdel Moneim of Nice and Al-Ain defender Rami Rabia are also included, alongside Mahmoud Trezeguet of Saudi Arabian club Al-Riyadh and Ludogorets player Hossam Abdel-Maguid.
Hassan is understood to have opted for a broad group of professional players because of the possibility of injuries affecting his final selection.
The coach has also been monitoring prominent performers in the Egyptian Premier League, giving local players an opportunity to force their way into the squad.
El-Gazzar among players pushing for inclusion
El-Gazzar is regarded as one of the leading candidates among the players being considered for the forthcoming camp.
The Al-Ahly defender has already experienced working under Hassan, having previously been called into the Egypt squad while he was playing for Al-Ahly Bank.
His previous involvement with the national team could strengthen his chances of being selected again as Hassan assesses his defensive options.
Shehata is another player who could return to the squad. The Zamalek midfielder has previously been selected by Hassan and is now considered close to earning another call-up.
Ali Mahmoud is also attracting attention from the coaching staff.
According to informed sources, Hassan has followed Mahmoud since his time with Enppi. However, competition for places in midfield has previously made it difficult for the player to break into the national team.
His continued monitoring suggests that the coaching staff are keeping their options open as they assess players ahead of the September camp.
Hassan plans early start to camp
There are also plans for Egypt’s training camp to begin earlier than the official international window.
Hassan wants to start preparations on 17 September, around four days before the Fifa international period officially begins. Players selected from Egyptian clubs would report at the beginning of the camp, while the overseas-based members of the squad would join progressively once the international calendar comes into effect.
The timing of the final squad announcement is also expected to allow the coaching staff to assess players’ fitness following the domestic league fixtures.
Egypt’s final squad is scheduled to be announced on the evening of 16 September, after the conclusion of the fifth round of the Egyptian Premier League.
That approach would give Hassan and his staff the opportunity to check for injuries among the players under consideration before confirming the final group.
With Angola and South Sudan providing Egypt’s first tests in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Hassan will have to balance the need to maintain continuity with the opportunity to introduce players who have impressed in domestic football.
The emergence of El-Gazzar, Shehata and Mahmoud adds further competition for places as Egypt begin another international campaign.
