Egypt assistant manager Diaa Al-Sayed played down reports suggesting that Mohamed Zidan would be recalled in the near future.
Some reports suggested that Zidan, who plays for UAE side Bani Yas, could well return to the national team’s fold in the next friendly against Georgia, but the Egypt coach insists that all foreign-based players would only be named by the end of this month.
“We will announce the names of all foreign-based players by the end of October, so what’s the reason behind bringing up such an issue now?” Al-Sayed told FilGoal.com.
“Plus Zidan is injured and his medical status is still unclear as the final decision will be made by –manager - Bob Bradley.”
Zidan has yet to make an appearance for Egypt since pulling out of a CAN qualifier against Central African Republic back in June as Bradley stated that the 30-year-old’s return is ‘not guaranteed’.
The 30-year-old, who is believed to have angered Bradley and Co. following his decision to skip the CAR qualifier, is currently nursing a hamstring injury and is expected to return to action by the end of October.
After facing Congo and Tunisia in the UAE this month, Egypt are due to meet with Georgia on November 14.