After Missing Previous Match, Trezeguet’s Return Ends After Just 12 Minutes With Hamstring Injury

8/9/2026
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By: EgyScores
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Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet’s injury has caused concern inside the Egypt national team coaching staff led by Hossam Hassan, particularly as it comes shortly before an important period in which the Pharaohs are preparing for their upcoming camp.

Trezeguet picked up the injury while playing for Saudi club Al Riyadh against Al Khaleej in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League. The Egyptian winger was involved in a challenge with Malian defender Boubakar “Babi” Kouyaté in the 12th minute and was unable to continue the match.

Trezeguet appeared emotional while leaving the pitch, raising concerns among Egyptian supporters ahead of a crucial period for the national team.

According to Saudi reports, the initial diagnosis indicates a problem in the back of the thigh, although further medical tests will be required before the exact severity of the injury and the expected recovery period can be confirmed.

There is additional concern because the 31-year-old had already suffered a muscle problem that kept him out of Al Riyadh’s previous league match against Al Ahli Jeddah.

Medical Tests to Decide

Egypt’s coaching staff is waiting for Trezeguet’s final medical report before making a decision over his place in the upcoming camp. Hossam Hassan does not want to rule the winger out too early if there is still a realistic chance of him recovering in time.

However, the coaching staff is also unlikely to take any unnecessary risk if the medical examinations show that Trezeguet needs a period of treatment and rehabilitation. Hamstring-related problems require careful management, especially for a player whose game depends heavily on pace and acceleration.

Trezeguet remains an important part of Egypt’s plans because his role goes beyond that of a traditional winger. His pace allows Egypt to move quickly from defence to attack, while his runs into the penalty area and international experience provide another attacking threat.

As a result, his possible absence could force Hossam Hassan to make more than a simple change to the starting lineup and redistribute roles across the attacking line.

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Egypt are preparing to face Angola and South Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, making an early decision over Trezeguet’s availability particularly important.

Four Options on the Table

If Trezeguet is ruled out, Hossam Hassan has several options available, with Ibrahim Adel among the leading candidates to take on a bigger role. The Nordsjaelland player offers pace, dribbling ability and movement between the lines. He can operate on the wing or move into central areas.

Haitham Hassan is another possible option following his summer move to Scottish club Celtic. His speed, individual skill and ability to attack defenders could give Egypt a different threat on the flank.

Mostafa Fathi also remains in contention because of his international experience and ability to play in several attacking positions. His physical condition could be important after recently returning to action with Pyramids following an injury absence.

Mostafa Ziko could also enter the conversation as another attacking option. He may not be viewed as a direct replacement for Trezeguet, but his ability to operate in different attacking roles gives the coaching staff another solution.

Hossam Hassan may ultimately decide that replacing Trezeguet does not require one player to perform exactly the same role. Instead, Egypt could redistribute attacking responsibilities, allowing one winger greater freedom to move inside while using more pace on the opposite flank.

For now, everything depends on the results of Trezeguet’s medical examinations. If the injury proves minor, the door could remain open for him to join Egypt’s camp. If his absence is confirmed, Hossam Hassan will have to activate one of his alternative attacking plans.

Egypt’s coaching staff will be hoping that the injury is not serious, especially with important matches approaching.