Egypt’s national team received a defensive setback before facing South Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as Mohamed Abdelmonem was ruled out of the trip to Juba due to medical concerns related to the match venue.

The decision came after medical recommendations from his French club Nice, especially because the match will be played on an artificial turf pitch, which could create risks for the defender after his recent return from a serious injury and anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt’s national team director, confirmed that the technical staff led by Hossam Hassan decided not to include Abdelmonem in the trip to protect the player’s health, following a medical report from Nice advising against his participation on artificial surfaces.

Nice Warning Behind Abdelmonem’s Absence

Nice explained that its position was based on protecting the player’s physical condition. The club contacted the Egyptian Football Association and the national team’s medical staff to discuss avoiding Abdelmonem’s participation against South Sudan.

The French club believes that playing on artificial turf could increase the risk of muscle problems or another injury, especially since the player did not participate regularly last season and has only recently returned after a long absence.

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Nice also highlighted Abdelmonem’s importance to the team’s defense, particularly with other defenders recovering from surgeries, making his fitness a priority for the club.

Egypt Decides Against Calling Up Replacement Defender

Despite Abdelmonem’s absence, Egypt’s coaching staff decided not to call up another defender and will rely on the current squad members before traveling to South Sudan.

The Pharaohs are preparing to face South Sudan on Tuesday in the second round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, after their opening match against Angola ended in a goalless draw.

Egypt had previously announced that Mohamed Salah would also miss the match after an agreement to rest him due to concerns over playing on the artificial pitch, as the team aims to protect its key players.

Meanwhile, striker Osama Faisal joined the national team camp to strengthen the attacking options ahead of the South Sudan match, as the technical staff continues preparations to secure the first win in the qualifiers.