HAISSEM HASSAN has been forced to withdraw from Egypt’s international squad for their African Cup of Nations opener against Angola tonight.
The £9million Celtic winger will also sit out the game against South Sudan on Tuesday due to an unspecified injury.
Head coach Hossam Hassan, speaking in a report in the Scottish Sun, revealed: “The player is receiving intensive treatment just now.
“Haissem is a vital technical asset for our long-term vision, but his recent injury made it impossible for him to join us for this camp.
“We prioritise player health and full physical recovery above all else and we expect him back once he is 100 per cent fit.”
DERBY DEBUT DESPAIR…Haissem Hassan in the loss at Ibrox.
Hassan, 24, who agreed a four-year contract when he joined from Real Oviedo in the summer, has made nine appearances for the champions.
He figured in the team’s three defeats in eight days before the international break. Martin O’Neill left him out of his starting line-up for the Premier Sports League Cup encounter at Ibrox, but he came on for Sebastian Tounekti after the turnaround.
Hassan started in the Europa League match against Ferencvaros at Parkhead, but was withdrawn just before the hour mark as the Hoops crashed 3-1.
Benjamin Nygren took his place against the Hungarians.
The Egyptian World Cup stand-out in the summer was a 71st-minute substitute for Kieran Tierney in the 1-0 Premiership derby loss on Sunday.
Now there are fears Hassan could be struggling to be fit in time for the game against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday October 11 when the league resumes.
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