Manchester City will not release Egypt attacker Omar Marmoush for a training camp before the Africa Cup of Nations.
Marmoush has returned after missing over a month, a spell of seven matches, with a knee injury picked up on international break in September.
The 26-year-old is being eased back into action and netted his first goal of the season during City’s midweek Carabao Cup victory over Swansea City.
Depending on City’s progress in that competition, Marmoush could miss up to 10 matches were Egypt to reach the latter stages of AFCON.
The final is scheduled for January 18, with City playing away at Bodo/Glimt two days later in the Champions League – a trip Marmoush would be unlikely to make.
Egypt have a friendly against Nigeria pencilled in for December 14 but City are travelling to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on the same day and will want their January signing available.
Marmoush is expected to be released to his national team following that game at Selhurst Park. Liverpool face a similar decision with Mohamed Salah were head coach Hossam Hassan to call upon the winger.
Egypt are taking part in a friendly tournament in the United Arab Emirates before starting a training camp two weeks out from AFCON.
Their opening fixture is against Zimbabwe on December 22 in a group also containing South Africa and Angola.
