Ahmed Fatouh
LB
Balanced Full Back
Mar 22, 1998 (28)
Left
5'10"
150 lb
Unavailable against Argentina
Fotouh (hamstring) is absent from Egypt's squad for Tuesday's World Cup Round of 16 clash against Argentina.
Analysis: Fotouh was unable to recover in time after missing training sessions leading up to the knockout fixture. The left-back had already been sidelined for the victory over Australia and will now miss a second consecutive match due to the hamstring issue. His continued absence leaves Karim Hafez in line to maintain his role on the left side of defense. Fotouh's next chance to return will depend on Egypt advancing and his ability to resume full training in the coming days.
Doubt to face Argentina
Fotouh (hamstring) is a major doubt for Egypt's World Cup round of 16 matchup versus Argentina on Tuesday, according to assistant manager Ibrahim Hassan, Infobae reported Sunday.
Analysis: Fotouh seems unlikely to play in the next game, having yet to return to full training sessions. He missed the first playoff match against Australia after starting in each of the group-stage contests, and his continued absence would hurt the Pharaohs in defensive aspects. In that case, Karim Hafez might get another opportunity at left-back.
Ruled out for Australia clash
Fotouh (hamstring) has been ruled out of Friday's round of 32 clash against Australia, according to federation vice president Khaled El-Derndly, per Btolat. "Fotouh will miss the match against Australia."
Analysis: Fotouh's absence is a significant blow for Egypt's left-back position heading into their historic first knockout round appearance, with the defender having created four chances, won 14 duels, made six tackles and recorded seven clearances during the group stage. His injury sustained against Iran proved more serious than initially anticipated, and Karim Hafez is expected to step in at left-back in his absence.
Doubtful for Friday
Fotouh (hamstring) is more serious than orignally have thought and will be a heavy doubt for the Round of 32 match with Australia on Friday, according to head coach Ibrahim Hassan per ON Sport.
Analysis: Fotouh is not expected to be fit for Friday's match against Australia after sustaining a hamstring injury in the group stage meeting with Iran, leaving Egypt likely without their starting left back for the Round of 32. His absence opens the door for Karim Hafez to see increased minutes, stepping in for a defender who created four chances, won 14 duels, made six tackles, and recorded seven clearances during the group stage, making his loss a significant one as Egypt enters the knockout rounds.
Set for tests after hamstring scare
El Fotouh generated three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 1-1 draw against Iran but finished the match with a hamstring issue and is set to undergo scans and medical tests, according to Egyptian Football Association.
Analysis: El Fotouh was seen limping in the closing stages of Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran after falling and clutching the back of his thigh, suggesting a hamstring complaint. With the Pharaohs having exhausted all their substitutions, the left back had no choice but to continue. He played down the injury afterward, describing it as minor and stating he expects to be fit, though he is set to undergo testing to confirm the extent of the problem.
Better on both sides
El Fotouh logged one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate), three tackles won and one interception during Egypt's 3-1 win Sunday against New Zealand.
Analysis: For the World Cup, El Fotouh's latest appearance marks his second, and it is an improvement. Even though El Fotouh's shot was directly at the goalkeeper, it marked the former's first nonetheless. The left-back's crosses, tackles won and interceptions also increased. Apart from them, all of his other stats' tallies remained unchanged except for yellow cards, and he improved by not getting booked this time.
Balanced display at left back
Ahmed El Fotouh registered two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Belgium. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 34th minute.
Analysis: Fotouh put in a solid all-around display at left back, doing his defensive work diligently with three tackles, two clearances and one interception and came agonisingly close to an assist when a well-delivered cross picked out Mohamed Salah, whose header drew a strong stop from Thibaut Courtois.
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