Egypt assistant coach Shawky Gharib said that players who were forced to join the squad late are unlikely to be with the team when they face Namibia in Aswan on Saturday.

Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky is expected to arrive late on Wednesday, while Arab-based duo Wael Gomaa and Hassan Mostafa will not leave their clubs before Friday.

We will fly to Aswan on Friday, so it will be difficult to play those who have arrived so late, Gharib told FilGoal.com.

Meanwhile, Gharib stated that striker Emad Meteb has begun training with the team, following the back problem he suffered in recent days.

Meteb is back in training, but Ibrahim Saied is doubtful because of a knee problem, he added.

Gharib also indicated that he has been in contact with Boro striker Ahmed Hossam Mido , who seems to be on his way back from a three-month layoff.

Mido called from England and he looks set to resume full training with his club in the upcoming few days, he said.

He is willing to get some match practice with Middlesbrough before the Nations Cup in order to regain his fitness.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata is yet to decide whether to include the 24-year-old forward in the Pharaohs squad for this month s big event.