The Eskisehirspor defender was named in the provisional squad, but was omitted from the final list for no apparent reason.

"Days ago, an Egypt technical staff member phoned me up to tell me that the coach wants me back in the team, saying my performances in the Turkish league were impressive," Al-Saqqa told FilGoal.com.

"But I was bemused when I was left out of the final squad, especially that nobody gave me any excuses for that decision.

"I'm just wondering why I was chosen in the first place. They said my experience is highly needed and then ignored me."

Al-Saqqa, whose last participation with the Pharaohs was in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, asserted that what upset him was the way he was treated, and not the slipped-away Egypt spot.

"I haven't played for Egypt for more than two years, and I didn't complain. I just don't understand why they called me up to the squad and then eliminated me in less than a week.

"But after all I'm not angry; I need a rest after an exhausting season anyway," the ex-Mansoura man said.

The Oman friendly is part of Egypt's preparations for the World Cup qualifier against Algeria on June 7th, as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup that kicks off seven days later.

Al-Saqqa’s highlights