Mohamed Abdelmonem
Ruled out against Argentina
Abdelmonem (ankle) is unavailable for Tuesday's World Cup Round of 16 clash against Argentina.
Analysis: Abdelmonem returned to team training ahead of the match and had appeared to be on track for a potential return, but he ultimately was not deemed fit enough to feature. The center-back will miss a second consecutive match after suffering a heavy ankle bruise against Iran earlier in the tournament. His absence limits Egypt's defensive depth for one of its biggest matches of the competition, though he was not expected to be a guaranteed starter. Abdelmonem's next opportunity to return will depend on both his recovery and Egypt's progression in the tournament.
Returns to team training
Abdelmonem (ankle) returned to team training ahead of Tuesday's World Cup clash against Argentina, according to reports from Egypt's camp.
Analysis: Abdelmonem appears to have recovered from the ankle issue that kept him out of Friday's penalty-shootout win over Australia. The center-back had been dealing with a heavy ankle bruise suffered against Iran, but his return to team training is an encouraging sign ahead of the round-of-16 matchup. While his availability has not yet been officially confirmed, he now has a chance to be included in the squad for Tuesday's clash against Argentina. Abdelmonem provides valuable depth in central defense and could compete for minutes if he completes preparations without any setbacks.
Sidelined for Australia game
Abdelmonem (ankle) is not available for Egypt's clash against Australia.
Analysis: Abdelmonem was in a race against time to be available for this game but will miss out, still not fully recovered from the heavy ankle bruise he sustained against Iran. It is not a significant blow for Egypt, however, as he was not expected to be Hossam Hassan's first choice in central defense even when fully fit.
Uncertain for Australia clash
Abdelmomen (ankle) is not yet at 100 percent fitness ahead of Friday's round of 32 clash against Australia, according to federation vice president Khaled El-Derndly, per Btolat. "Abdelmomen is not 100% fit"
Analysis: Abdelmomen had lasted just 14 minutes on his first start of the tournament against Iran before being withdrawn after sustaining the ankle bruise, and his continued fitness concern leaves his involvement for Friday uncertain. The Nice center-back, who missed the entirety of the 2025-26 club season recovering from an ACL injury, has not been a regular starter in this tournament, making a bench role the most likely scenario even if he passes his fitness assessment ahead of the Australia fixture.
Dealing with bruised ankle
Abdelmonem is dealing with an ankle bruise and is set to undergo further tests to determine his availability, the Egyptian Football Association announced.
Analysis: Abdelmonem made his first start of the tournament against Iran but lasted just 14 minutes before being withdrawn after fouling Mehdi Taremi in the penalty area and sustaining an ankle injury in the process. The Nice center back, who missed the entirety of the 2025/26 club season recovering from an ACL injury, was assessed by Egypt's medical staff and the complaint has been described as a bruise rather than a recurrence of his knee problem, which is an encouraging distinction. An ankle bruise of this nature should not require significant recovery time and Abdelmonem is expected to be available for Egypt's round of 32 meeting with Australia. However availability and selection are separate questions, as coahc Hossam Hassan has not favored him at center back in this tournament and that is unlikely to change, meaning he will most probably fill a bench role even if he passes his fitness test.
Forced off in draw
Abdelmonem (undisclosed) was forced off in the 14th minute of Friday's 1-1 draw against Iran, marking a devastating setback after his first competitive start since suffering an ACL tear in April 2025, according to Ali Howorth of OTW Podcast.
Analysis: Abdelmonem had not played a single minute of club football last season as he recovered from the injury, and his withdrawal so early in what was his return to competitive action is a heartbreaking development for one of the best center-backs in African club football in recent years. The defender, who was instrumental in Egypt's run to the 2021 AFCON final, will undergo further assessment to determine the nature and severity of the new issue and if he can be ready to face Australia on July 3.
Plays in friendly
Abdelmonem (knee) started and recorded 45 minutes of play during Thursday's international friendly against Russia.
Analysis: Abdelmonem was dealing with an injury that sidelined him for all of the 2025/26 season, but he apparently focused on being fit for the World Cup and could be an option for Egypt. If he's ready for extended outings when the tournament kicks off, he'll likely be selected over Ramy Rabia as a left-sided center-back, aiming to contribute defensive stats while featuring as an occasional aerial threat on set pieces.
Called up by Egypt
Abdelmonem (knee) has received a call-up from Egypt for the World Cup and is expected to be fit enough to feature in the tournament, though whether he will be available to start the opener remains to be seen.
Analysis: Abdelmonem had not featured at all this season for Nice after returning from a long-term knee injury, making his inclusion in Egypt's squad a significant show of faith from the national team coaching staff. The defender will now focus entirely on building his fitness ahead of the tournament, with Egypt hoping he can contribute meaningfully even if a starting role for the first game may come too soon given the lengthy absence he has endured throughout the campaign.
Still not available
Abdelmonem (knee) will not be available for Sunday's season finale against Metz, according to coach Claude Puel, per Ici Azur. "Abdelmonem is not available either."
Analysis: Abdelmonem has yet to feature this season after returning from a long term knee injury, bringing a deeply frustrating campaign to an end without a single competitive appearance. The defender will now focus entirely on being fit for Tunisia at the World Cup this summer, with his recovery timeline making the tournament a realistic target despite the lengthy absence he has endured throughout the season.
Remains out
Abdelmonem (knee) will not be available for Saturday's clash against Lens, according to coach Claude Puel, per ICI Azur. "Abdelmonem is not available either."
Analysis: Abdelmonem has yet to feature this season due to the knee injury, making his continued absence a frustrating stretch for the defender. He had been eyeing the Lens fixture as a potential return date, but will now need to wait for another opportunity to make his seasonal debut. His role upon return is expected to be a rotational one, consistent with his standing in the squad last campaign.
Eyeing Lens for return
Abdelmonem (knee) is eyeing a return next week when facing Lens on May 2, according to manager Claude Puel, per William Humberset of Nice Matin.
Analysis: Abdelmonem has yet to play this season with a knee injury, but is on the verge of making his return, as the defender is expected to resume action in the final weeks of the season. He is currently eyeing the May 2 match against Lens for a return, needing to train with his teammates first. He was more of a rotational option last season and will likely end the campaign in that role.
Remains sidelined
Abdelmonem (knee) won't make the trip to face Strasbourg in the French Cup semifinals, according to manager Claude Puel.
Analysis: Abdelmonem is still not an option while he continues to work on his recovery from a knee injury, so all of Antoine Mendy, Kojo Peprah Oppong and Abdulai Juma Bah are expected to remain active in the middle of the back line. The Egyptian has yet to play in the 2025/26 campaign, and he might target a return in the final weeks of the season as he tries to gain form ahead of the World Cup.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare