Egypt national assistant coach Osama Nabih revealed that Ittihad of Jeddah winger Mahmoud 'Kahraba' Abdel-Moneim sustained a minor injury but remains fit for the game against Congo in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Ahly defender Ahmed Hegazy's status remains in doubt. Kahraba was sent off Ittihad Jeddah's game against Al-Qadisya in the Saudi Crown Prince Cup late on Wednesday, hours before joining the Egypt national team preparatory camp for the game against Congo. The Pharaohs will hold a camp from 1 to 7 October with all named players to prepare for the coming game against Congo in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Egypt kicks off its World Cup qualifying campaign against Congo on 9 October. "Kahraba is confirmed to be with the team during the game against Congo while Hegazy is doubtful," Nabih told a television programme late on Wednesday. "Kahraba sustained a minor injury, so it's not a cause for concern. He was injured due to the match's sequence, but is fit for the game," Nabih said. Ahly defender Ahmed Hegazy is currently out of action due to a muscle injury that sidelined him from the Red Devils' games in the Egyptian Premier League games. "We called Hegazy as we still have ten days before the game; if recovered, he will join the starting lineup," the Egyptian coach concluded. In June, World Cup-hungry Egypt was drawn in a tight group at the qualifiers' final round alongside Ghana, Congo and Uganda. Seven-time African champions, Egypt have made only two World Cup appearances, both in Italy in 1934 and 1990. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
