Egypt's boss Shawky Gharib said on Tuesday that Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah will be fit to play when the Pharaohs host Senegal in a crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier on 15 November in Cairo. Local reports said Salah had hurt his back playing for Chelsea in an English League Cup game but Gharib insisted the 23-year-old is injury-free. Egypt take on Senegal in a do-or-die clash before facing Tunisia away from home five days later as they seek to reach the Nations Cup for the first time since lifting the last of their record seven titles in 2010. "We heard some news about Salah's back injury, but it was not true," Gharib said in a television interview. "He will be fit for our upcoming clashes against Senegal and Tunisia." Salah, who scored twice in Egypt's two straight wins over Botswana, has already been selected in a list of six foreign-based players for the two games. Gharib also said that Zamalek keeper Ahmed El-Shennawy will also be available after the recent injury he sustained in a league game against Ittihad of Alexandria turned out to be minor. The 23-year-old took the place of Ahly's injured keeper Sherif Ekramy during the 2-0 home win over Botswana last month and he is likely to remain between the sticks against Senegal and Tunisia. Gharib, who faces a selection headache after key striker Amr Gamal and fullback Mohamed Abdel-Shafy picked up injuries, will unveil his squad for the two clashes on Thursday. Third in Group G with six points, Egypt have no choice but to beat second-placed Senegal (seven points) to keep their hopes alive in the Nations Cup qualifiers. (For more sports news and updates, follow AhramOnline Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/114761.aspx
