Meteb was left out of Egypt's 23-man squad for Wednesday's game after being involved in a dispute with Belgian side Standard Liege.

He joined Standard after his contract with Egyptian league holders Ahli expired but suddenly returned to Cairo, with reports suggesting that he intends to terminate his contract with the 10-time Belgian champions.

"It was a logical choice for the technical staff not to call up Meteb for the DR Congo game," Sedki told FilGoal.com on Saturday.

"The problems he is having with his new club will affect his psychological state. He is also not fit because he does not play."

Meteb, who scored 31 goals in 63 international appearances, has been a regular member of Egypt's starting line-up over the past four years.

He helped the Pharaohs win three successive African Cup of Nations titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Egypt are preparing for the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers that will begin in September.

They will face South Africa, Niger and Sierra Leone in Group G of the qualifiers.

"The players we picked for the DR Congo game aren't necessary the ones who will play in the qualifiers," Sedki added.

"We have limited choices now because the Egyptian teams played few games. We will have better chance to monitor more players before meeting Sierra Leone in our first qualifier."

Egypt's squad for the DR Congo friendly included four uncapped players – Ismaili midfielder Amr Al-Sulaya and striker Ahmed Ali, Harras Hodoud frontman Ahmed Mekki and Police Union defender Mohamed Naguib.