Celtic winger Haissem Hassan set for early international return after Egypt decision

The summer signing has been away on international duty during the extended break and featured for his country against Angola and South Sudan despite previous concerns over his fitness in September.

However, Egyptian outlet Ahram reports that Hassan is now expected to sit out the South Africa clash alongside Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem.

The report claims the Celtic winger “will not participate” in the friendly in order to recover, potentially allowing him to return to Lennoxtown earlier than initially expected.

That could prove useful for Celtic as preparations begin for their return to Premiership action against Motherwell next weekend.

Hassan joined the Hoops from Real Oviedo for around £6.5million during the summer transfer window but has endured a relatively quiet beginning to life in Glasgow.

The Egyptian has featured nine times under Martin O’Neill this season, registering one assist, but has yet to consistently make the attacking impact expected following his arrival.