Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' still has a chance to play in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) but Mohamed Barakat is confirmed out of the tournament, Egypt assistant coach Shawky Gharib said. Middlesbrough striker Mido was initially declared unfit for the African Cup because of pelvic problems. But as time went on, Mido said he is recovering faster than expected and that he might be available for Egypt's title defending campaign. "We are monitoring Mido's injury," Gharib told FilGoal.com. "He might be called up should he be able to train with his club before announcing the final squad." Ahli winger Barakat was dropped from the initial squad for Ghana 2008 due to injury but press reports said he might be called up should he be fit in time for the tournament.
Barakat "Barakat's injury gives him no chance," Gharib asserted. "He will travel to Germany to undergo and knee surgery there and he is definitely out of Ghana trip." Mido's availability became an increasingly important issue especially after Ahmed Salama was forced out of the tournament with a thigh problem. The Tersana striker's injury leaves Egypt with just Amr Zaki, Emad Meteb and Mohamed Fadl as three strikers and a center forward in Mohamed Zidan. Gharib confirmed that, other than Mido, no other strikers would be recalled.
