Ali Maher excludes Mohamed Abdelmonem from Egypt's trip to Malawi

Ali Maher, the head coach of the Egypt national team, has excluded defender Mohamed Abdelmonem from the Pharaohs' squad heading to Malawi, in preparation for the match between the two teams next Tuesday, as part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. This decision was made to give the player a chance to complete his rehabilitation program and recover from injury.

Nice defender missed the first leg against Malawi, which took place last Friday, due to injury, before the coaching staff decided not to take him on the return trip, to avoid rushing his return to the pitch.

Egypt secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Malawi in their first appearance under coach Ali Maher, who took over from Hossam Hassan, who was dismissed from his position days earlier.

The Egyptian national team needs to repeat its victory over Malawi to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mohamed Abdelmonem also missed Egypt's match against South Sudan during Hossam Hassan's tenure, amid reports of a disagreement between the two parties, after the player requested not to travel for fear of aggravating an old injury.

Mohamed Abdelmonem is embarking on his professional journey with Nice after recently starting to regain his form following several months out due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.