Mohamed El Shenawy’s absence from Egypt’s current national team camp has developed into one of the most debated issues surrounding the squad, with different reports offering different explanations for the Al Ahly goalkeeper’s absence.

While Al Ahly announced that El Shenawy was dealing with an injury and would undergo a rehabilitation and treatment program, other reports have suggested that frustration over his recent situation with the national team may also be part of the story.

Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida is reportedly preparing to step in, with a meeting expected to bring El Shenawy together with Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan and team director Ibrahim Hassan after the current international break.

The meeting is expected to address the disagreement between the two sides and clarify the issues that have created tension in recent weeks.

Two Versions

Al Ahly’s official position is that El Shenawy is unavailable because of an injury that requires treatment and rehabilitation, explaining his absence from Egypt’s current camp.

However, former Egypt international Ahmed Hossam Mido presented a different version during his television appearance on “Odet El Lebs.”

Mido said that El Shenawy wanted to remain involved with the national team and suggested that the goalkeeper’s absence may not be purely related to injury.

According to Mido, there had previously been an understanding between El Shenawy and Egypt’s technical staff regarding his role during the 2026 World Cup, but the situation later changed.

Mido claimed that this change left the goalkeeper frustrated and contributed to his decision not to join the current camp.

He also said that Abo Rida had attempted to calm the situation and ease the tension between El Shenawy and the national team staff.

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Meanwhile, other reports have suggested that the goalkeeper was unhappy with how his situation was handled and with the way his medical status was presented.

The conflicting accounts have kept the issue open, with no detailed official statement so far addressing every part of the situation.

Meeting to Decide

The controversy comes after El Shenawy’s position in Egypt’s goal changed during the previous period, with Mostafa Shobeir receiving more playing time and featuring in important matches for the national team.

Reports have linked that change to El Shenawy’s frustration, particularly after he was no longer the automatic first-choice goalkeeper in some matches.

There has also been speculation that El Shenawy could reconsider his international future, although the goalkeeper has not officially announced any decision to retire from international football.

That is why the Egyptian Football Association is reportedly looking to resolve the situation before it develops further.

A meeting involving El Shenawy, Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan is expected to take place after the end of Egypt’s current international camp.

The talks are expected to focus on the reasons behind the disagreement, allowing both sides to explain their positions and potentially reach an understanding that could end the tension.

Egypt are currently preparing for matches against Angola and South Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as well as a friendly against South Africa, with El Shenawy absent from the squad.

The goalkeeper’s international future could therefore become clearer after the expected meeting. The main question is whether the talks will restore stability between El Shenawy and the coaching staff or whether the dispute will continue into the next stage.