Egypt team doctor Tarek Soliman is optimistic injured duo Ahmed Fathi and Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’ will fit to face Ghana next month in the Brazil 2014 World Cup first leg playoff. Al Ahly defender Fathi and Zamalek winger Shikabala have picked up minor injuries but will be available for selection on 15 October.

But the Pharaohs will be without Fiorentina star Ahmed Hegazy who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “Fathi strained a groin muscle but he will back in training after three days,” Soliman said. ”We will not rush him back into action; we want him to fully recover because he has an African Champions League game with Ahly on 5 October and Egypt’s clash against Ghana on 15 October.”

He added that: “Shikabala has a minor tendon inflammation. He just needs to rest for one day before returning to training.”

Egypt will host Ghana on 19 November in the return with the winner over two legs advancing to next year’s finals.