Egyptian Midfielder Shawky May Miss Opening World Cup Qualifier

Cairo, Egypt (AHN) - Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Shawky may miss out on Egypt's opening match in the campaign to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The midfielder was left out of the last match for his English Premier League side Middlesbrough due to back pains.

The two-time defending African champions begin their group 12 qualification at home against the Democratic Republic of Congo the first weekend of June. Shawky, who was a staple for the national side during their Ghana run earlier this year, will be sorely missed.

The Pharaoh's then have an away match versus Djibouti and then a home and home against Malawi, all matches the North Africans are expected to win easily.

Egypt has not qualified for a World Cup finals since 1990 and feel this is their best chance to do so, given the first round draw and the consecutive African Cup of Nations championships.