Injury Clouds Egypt’s Spain Test as Haitham Hassan Steps Up
31 March 2026
Islam Isa, a player for the Egypt national team, picked up an injury during the Pharaohs’ friendly with Spain, played Tuesday evening at Espanyol's stadium as part of both sides’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Hosam Hassan trusted Isa and started him in the Saudi Arabia game, a decision that saw a Ceramica Cleopatra forward score one of Egypt’s four goals.
Hassan continued to rely on Isa as a starter against Spain, but Isa was substituted in the 68th minute after picking up the injury in a joint challenge.
Coach Haitham Hassan then brought on Haitham Hassan to replace Isa, allowing the Real Oviedo youngster to feature in his second straight international, following a promising debut against Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s captain, did not feature in the Saudi and Spain matches due to a knee injury.
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Punchline: If injuries were a sport, Egypt would be world champions by now. Punchline 2: Haitham Hassan’s bench might have more fans than the stands—and far less risk of a red card.
