Even though Egypt moved a step closer to the World Cup with a draw, the match brought worrying news for Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.
Just 10 minutes into the game, Omar Marmoush had to leave the field in discomfort after a tough challenge. News of the injury surely caused concern for Guardiola, thousands of miles away.
Marmoush suffered a knee ligament injury in the 9th minute against Burkina Faso in the World Cup qualifier and could not continue. Egypt’s team doctor, Mohamed Abu El-Ella, confirmed that Marmoush’s ligament was damaged. The full extent of the injury will be determined after an X-ray in Cairo on Wednesday morning. The 26-year-old forward’s condition remains under close monitoring.
This comes as a significant blow for Manchester City, already dealing with multiple player injuries. Marmoush has appeared in three Premier League matches this season, starting two of them and coming on as a substitute in the other. He is considered one of City’s key forwards moving forward.
Despite Marmoush’s setback, Egypt managed a goalless draw against Burkina Faso, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive. With two matches remaining in Group A, Egypt leads the table, five points ahead of second-placed Burkina Faso.
If all goes well, Egypt will qualify for the World Cup for the fourth time, having previously participated in 1934, 1990, and 2018.
