Egypt assistant manager Diaa Al-Sayed refuted reports that Shikabala will skip international duty for the sake of his club Al-Wasl. Emirate newspaper alittihad claimed on Tuesday that the new Al-Wasl star intends to snub Egypt for the friendly against Benin, adding that he opts to stay upon the request of his manager Bruno Metsu. But coach Al-Sayed quashed the rumors by revealing that he had called Shikabala in person. “I was just with Shikabala on the phone. He was very happy when I informed him about our decision to recall him to the national team.," Bob Bradley's assistant told Alhayat TV. “He has a match with his club on September 3. After that he will join us immediately. “It is the exact opposite that his manager wanted him to stay with the club. In fact Metsu told him to join the Egypt squad. “To be honest I felt worried when I read the report of alittihad newspaper claiming that Shikabala will stay with Al-Wasl, but then I called him and that's what happened." Shikabala has been under fire in Egypt since his infamous rant against former Zamalek manager Hassan Shehata; an incident that was largely responsible for his exit from the Cairo club. He was overlooked as Egypt played four qualifiers in June, but manager Bradley declared recently that the midfield marvel has a future with the national team. Egypt will meet Benin on September 7 as they are still looking for a replacement to Nigeria, who pulled out of the international friendly on the 11th.
