Egypt goalkeeper El Shenawy to miss World Cup after knee injury

Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy will miss this year’s World Cup after picking a knee injury in Zamalek’s Egyptian Premier League defeat by Al Ittihad last Thursday.

The 26-year-old keeper injured his anterior cruciate ligament and was forced off the match.

Pharaoh’s team doctor, Mohamed Abu El Ela, confirmed the news to BBC Sport.

‘El Shenawy had a medical examination which showed he will not be able to play in the next World Cup as he has an anterior cruciate ligament injury,’ Abu El Ela declared.

“This is my fate and I accept it” – El Shenawy

After undergoing medical examinations, the goalkeeper took to social media to reveal his injury woes.

‘I want to thank Allah for everything, this is my fate and I accept it,’ El Shenawy tweeted.

‘This injury is a test from Allah, the anterior cruciate ligament injury was confirmed and I will travel to Germany soon for treatment. I need a prayer from all of you,’ he added.

Support messages for El Shenawy

Egypt internationals including Mohamed Salah, Ramandan Sobhi and Ahmed Hegazi sent support messages to El Shenawy.

El Hadary’s chance

El Shenawy’s absence from the World Cup in Russia, consolidates the chances of 45-year-old stopper Essam El Hadary, who could become the oldest man to play at a World Cup.

The other goalkeeping option for Egypt is Al Ahly’s 29-year-old Mohamed El-Shenawy.

The Pharaohs have been drawn in World Cup’s Group A along with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.