Egypt's Elneny could play in AFCON final

Published February 3rd, 2017 - 08:52 GMT
Egypt's defender Ahmed Fathi (L) and Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Elneny celebrate at the end of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Ghana in Port-Gentil on January 25, 2017.
Justin TALLIS / AFP
Egypt's defender Ahmed Fathi (L) and Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Elneny celebrate at the end of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Ghana in Port-Gentil on January 25, 2017. Justin TALLIS / AFP

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny may recover from an injury in time to take part in Egypt's African Nations Cup final against either Ghana or Cameroon on Sunday, the team doctor has said.

Elneny missed Egypt's wins over Morocco and Burkina Faso in the quarter final and semi final respectively after injuring his calf in training.

"Elneny has a chance to play in the final," Egypt doctor Ayman Aboul-Ela said in a television interview on Wednesday after the Pharaohs defeated Burkina Faso 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

However, Aboul-Ela said left-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, who sustained an ankle injury in Egypt's 1-0 group-stage win over Uganda, will not be available for the final.

Egypt has a long list of injuries that also includes keeper Ahmed El-Shenawi and strikers Marwan Mohsen and Ahmed Kouka.

It's not yet clear whether Sporting Braga striker Kouka will be available for the final as he suffers from pelvic problems. Winger Mahmoud Kahraba is already suspended for the game.

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