Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan is considering taking no part in the Pharaohs’ stern World Cup qualifier against Algeria.
Hassan believes exhaustion can prevent him from playing in the anticipated encounter, which will take place on June seventh.
The 34-year-old, who was injured in a highway car accident days ago, also said he might not be able to play in Ahli’s Confederation Cup game against Angola’s Santos on Sunday.
Hassan was introduced as a second-half substitute in Ahli’s Egyptian league playoff victory over Ismaili, although his head was bandaged up and he seemed quite unfit.
The veteran was clearly off-form, and apparently hasn’t reached full recovery.
“I bit off more than I can chew and took part in the game (with Ismaili). Ahli’s technical staff were determined to name me in the squad, and I also wanted to play,” he told FilGoal.com.
“But I was physically and physiological unready, and after the final whistle I felt ill with severe exhaustion.
“I also missed Tuesday’s training session, and I’m doubtful for the Santos match.
“I will definitely travel to Angola along with Ahli’s contingent, but I will most probably be out of action.
“I believe I will be more exhausted after that trip, which could force me to miss the Algeria qualifier.”
Disappointed
Hassan is cross with Egypt technical staff because ‘they weren’t keen’ to recall him to the squad for Algeria clash.
The pre-match preparatory camp has already got underway, and Hassan was expected to rejoin his teammates by next month.
“They (coaching staff) allowed Ahli to keep me till the end of the month, they weren’t keen to name me in the roster. I’m disappointed,” he said.
“I’m the team’s captain, and thus should have participated in the camp right from the start.”
After Ahli beat Ismaili in the Egyptian Premier League decider to retain the title, five players from the Cairo side were set to join Egypt’s training camp.
However, coach Manuel Jose suggested keeping Hassan and Ahmed Fathi for a while longer, so as they can feature in the Red Devils’ match at Santos.
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata has no reservations about the Portuguese tactician’s proposal, and thus only Mohamed About-Treika, Sayed Moawad and Wael Gomaa were initially recalled from Ahli.
