CAIRO: National team defender Ibrahim Said, a member of the African Nations Cup winning side last year, has withdrawn from Sunday s qualifier in Mauritania because of injury.

The Turkish-based defender has a stomach muscle strain and must rest for the next 10 days, the Egyptian Football Association said.

Striker Mohamed Fadl, called up the first time after 15 goals in the Egypt premier league this season, has passed a late fitness test and will travel, officials said.

Fadl is likely to make his debut in the Group Two tie in Nouakchott the absence of three key strikers, including Tottenham Hotspur s Ahmed Mido Hossam.