Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has announced his final squad for the upcoming friendly against New Zealand, with Mohamed Salah notably absent.

The Liverpool forward has been struggling with a hamstring injury since the Africa Cup of Nations in January, and has not played for Egypt since the tournament.

Salah was initially included in the squad for the March camp, but has since been withdrawn due to his injury.

“We have been in touch with Mohamed Salah and his club, and we have decided that it is in his best interests to remain with Liverpool for the time being,”

Hassan said.

“He is still recovering from his injury, and we do not want to risk him further.”

Salah’s absence is a blow to Egypt, who are already without injured duo Mohamed Elneny and Amr El-Sulaya.

The Pharaohs will face New Zealand on March 22 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Sobhy, Mohamed Awad, Mohamed Abou Gabal, El-Mahdy Soliman

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Akram Tawfik, Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Abdel Shafy, Ahmed Hegazy, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Rami Rabia, Ahmed Ramadan

Midfielders: Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Ahmed Nabil Kouka

Forwards: Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mostafa Mohamed, Hussein El-Shahat, Omar Marmoush, Ahmed Atef, Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed El-Shamy