Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan is continuing preparations for the upcoming match against Angola while dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the Pharaohs’ opening game in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Hassan provided an update on Haissem Hassan’s condition and explained the decision to bring Omar Fayed into the squad to strengthen the defense. He also outlined his selection policy for the coming period, stressing that no player will have a guaranteed place in the national team regardless of name or reputation.

Haytham Hassan Monitored

Hossam Hassan explained that Haissem Hassan has suffered a minor injury and that the medical staff is working to get him fully ready to return to action.

The coaching staff continues to monitor the player’s condition before deciding on his availability, especially with Egypt entering an important period in which the team needs as many available options as possible.

The technical staff is also trying to deal with the recent injuries without allowing them to disrupt its plans, while preparing alternatives in different positions in case of further problems.

Hassan also highlighted one of the challenges facing the Egyptian national team compared with several other African sides, many of which have a large number of players competing in European leagues.

Egypt, by comparison, still depends heavily on players from the domestic league. Hassan expressed confidence in Egyptian-based players but also made it clear that he wants to see more Egyptian footballers playing abroad in the future.

He explained that performing well in the Egyptian league does not automatically mean a player will be equally effective at international level, as international football can demand different physical, tactical and mental qualities.

At the same time, some players may adapt better to the international game because they can handle its greater pace and intensity.

Omar Fayed Bolsters Defense

Hassan also discussed Omar Fayed’s call-up, describing the defender as one of the strongest available options to reinforce Egypt’s back line at this stage.

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The decision came after injury problems affected the squad, particularly involving Yasser Ibrahim and Hamdy Fathy, forcing the coaching staff to look for another player capable of providing additional defensive solutions.

The coaching staff believes that having a player gaining experience in European football can provide an important boost, particularly as Hassan wants to increase the number of overseas-based options available to Egypt.

His plans, however, go beyond simply replacing injured players. Hassan confirmed that he intends to continue introducing younger faces and new players in order to refresh the squad and increase competition for places.

He stressed that selection will not be based on reputation or previous status. Instead, players will have to prove themselves through their current performances and their ability to carry out the coaching staff’s instructions.

Hassan also delivered a clear message to the entire squad: no player has a permanent or guaranteed place in the national team.

Keeping a place in the squad will depend on maintaining a high level of performance and showing consistent form for both club and country.

The Egyptian coach wants to create constant competition inside the team, with every player knowing that a call-up to the next camp will depend on what he produces before the squad is announced.

Hassan’s comments come ahead of Egypt’s match against Angola on Friday in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as the Pharaohs look to begin their campaign with a positive result.

With injuries already forcing changes to the squad, the Angola game represents an early test of Hassan’s approach, from giving opportunities to new faces to increasing competition among young players and overseas-based professionals as Egypt looks to build a deeper and stronger squad.