"Salama has a thigh injury while Hendawi suffers from pain in his liver and is set to undergo a surgery," Egypt's assistant coach Shawki Gharib told FilGoal.com.

"They will leave the group and won't be able to play in the Nations Cup."

Both players have been included in a 32-man preliminary squad announced by Hassan Shehata a few days ago.

Meanwhile, Gharib confirmed that Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky will join the group after his team's game against Everton next Wednesday.

The former Ahli midfielder made his league debut last Saturday and is expected to be in the team's starting lineup.