Mohamed Abdelmonem Left Out of Egypt Squad for South Sudan After Medical Warnings Over Artificial Turf
Egypt have left Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem out of the squad flying to South Sudan on Sunday afternoon for Tuesday’s second-round qualifier in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Pharaohs manager Ibrahim Hassan explained through the Egyptian Football Association’s official account on X that Abdelmonem would not join the delegation, citing previous cruciate ligament surgery and medical warnings from Nice against playing on artificial turf.
Squad Adjustments and Artificial Turf Concerns
The decision to omit Abdelmonem follows strict medical guidance issued by his club, French side Nice. The defender previously underwent a cruciate ligament operation, prompting club medical staff to advise against high-intensity play on artificial surfaces. Egypt manager Ibrahim Hassan confirmed via the Egyptian Football Association’s official X account that the center-back would remain behind to protect his recovery, missing the upcoming fixture against South Sudan.
https://x.com/EFA/status/2104102412751384651
South Sudan head into the match following a 2-1 defeat away to Malawi in the opening round of qualifying. Meanwhile, Egypt’s technical staff adjusted their travelling roster to manage player health across demanding playing surfaces.
Mohamed Salah’s Departure and Reported Tension
Captain Mohamed Salah’s absence from the trip had already been confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association. The association announced that Salah would leave the camp ahead of the journey to South Sudan, with Hossam Hassan’s staff choosing to rest him because of the artificial turf. The association added that both parties had agreed on his non-participation prior to the Angola match.
Press reports offered a contrasting perspective, pointing to tension between Salah and his manager after the forward was substituted in the 61st minute against Angola. That match finished in a goalless draw at Cairo Stadium, intensifying media focus on squad dynamics.
Did You Know?
Artificial turf surfaces can place higher stress on joints and ligaments, leading many European clubs to issue specific medical restrictions for players returning from major surgeries like cruciate ligament repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mohamed Abdelmonem left out of the Egypt squad?
Mohamed Abdelmonem was left out following medical warnings from Nice against playing on artificial turf, compounded by his previous cruciate ligament operation, as confirmed by manager Ibrahim Hassan.
Is Mohamed Salah playing against South Sudan?
No, Mohamed Salah skipped the trip to South Sudan. The Egyptian Football Association stated that staff opted to rest him due to the artificial turf, following a pre-agreed decision made before the Angola match.
What was the result of South Sudan’s previous qualifying match?
South Sudan enter the fixture following a 2-1 defeat away to Malawi in the first round of qualifying.