The versatile midfielder initially picked up a knee ligament injury during Egypt's stunning 1-0 victory over world champions Italy in the Confederations Cup on Thursday.

He was deemed fit to play against the US but his participation in the Pharaohs' embarrassing 3-0 defeat proved costly.

He limped off the pitch few minutes after the restart, making way for defender Ahmed Saied 'Ouka'.

"I will need around six weeks to recover," the Ahli man told Al-Hayat TV early on Monday.

Left-back Sayed Moawad is also doubtful for the Rwanda tie after sustaining an injury against the US.

African champions Egypt host Rwanda on July fifth as they seek to claim their first win in the World Cup qualifiers' final phase.