Egypt coach Hassan Shehata stressed that the inclusion of Mohamed Abou-Treika in the Pharaohs' squad for Wednesday's friendly with England is not a compliment to the veteran playmaker. Ahli midfielder Abou-Treika has just returned to action following a long-standing foot injury. The 31-year-old, who made a cameo appearance in Ahli's 2-2 league draw with Gaish, was tipped to miss the anticipated exhibition game because he's still out of form. But Shehata surprisingly named him in the list, which prompted criticism against the highly-rated tactician. "Abou-Treika is now fit and that's why he earned a place in the squad. There is no compliments for anyone," Shehata told Egyptian radio.
Zaki "He's been an Egypt key player for so long. "First he didn't want a place in the squad, out of fear that another player would be omitted, but that's not the case." Former Zamalek star Shehata also explained why Amr Zaki, who has recently shaken off a hamstring injury, was called up to the squad. "We also had to name Amr Zaki as a result of our limited frontline options. We can't face England with a depleted squad." Egypt's list includes six strikers in Emad Meteb, Mohamed Zidan, Ahmed Raouf, Sayed Hamdi, Mohamed Nagi 'Geddo' and Zaki.
