Egypt have been dealt with a major blow after defender Ahmed Hegazi have been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after sustaining an adductor muscle strain.
The former West Brom centre-back was replaced at half-time by Mahmoud Trezeguet in Egypt’s quarter-final win over Morocco.
The 31-year-old will fly to Germany to receive treatment.
Seven-time winners Egypt face hosts Cameroon in their semi-final on Thursday.
Hegazi has been the backbone of Egypt’s defence since the start of the tournament.
He had played every single minute up, until the Morocco game in the quarter-finals, while winning the MOTM award against Sudan.
Hegazi has become now the seventh Egyptian player to pick up an injury during the AFCON after Mohamed El-Shennawy, Mohamed Abou-Gabal, Mahmoud Hamdy El-Wensh, Akram Tawfik, Ahmed Fetouh, and Hamdi Fathi.
Mohamed Abdelmoneim is expected to start against Cameroon and he is expected to partner either Ayman Ashraf or Mahmoud Alaa.