CAIRO: Egypt s striking crisis has mounted after Emad Meteb pulled out of the squad facing Malawi in the World Cup qualifiers on Saturday.

The Ahly striker is still suffering from neck pain that prevented him from participating in Egypt s 4-0 win over Djibouti on Friday.

The Pharaohs have already lost Ismaili frontman Mohamed Fadl, who sustained an elbow injury during the Djibouti game.

There are also doubts over whether Wigan target Amr Zaki can play as he is suffering from knee problems.

It won’t be the first time the striker reports knee injury when playing on artificial turf.

Hassan Shehata will be short of attacking options upfront as Hamburg forward Mohamed Zidan is suspended by the Egyptian Football Association for faking injury.

The six-time African champions lead Group 12 with six points from two matches.