Egyptian Ahmed Elmohamady ‘has a chance’ of featuring in promotion playoff final

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday May 24, 2018. 13:00

Egyptian international Ahmed Elmohamady is reportedly winning his race to be fit for Aston Villa’s EFL Championship promotion playoff final this weekend.

The Villains will take on Fulham at Wembley on Saturday evening, with the winner securing a place in next season’s Premier League.

The Pharaohs player missed the second leg of Villa’s semifinal win over Middlesbrough, having injured his hamstring in the first match.

Manager Steve Bruce said on Wednesday morning that Elmohamady remained a “major doubt” for the match, but was more positive later in the day.

The Egyptian resumed training on Tuesday and came through Wednesday’s sessions without any problems. He will still have to prove his fitness before being picked for the crunch match, but he appears to be on the right path.

“He [Elmohamady] trained today and yesterday and we will see how he is tomorrow and then we will give him every chance,” Bruce said in regards to the Egyptian international.

“We will give him another thorough work out on Friday because one thing going into a playoff final, or any game at Wembley, if you’re not 100 percent then it’s a big, sapping pitch. He has trained the last two days so he has got a chance.”

The Villa manager added that the battle between his side and Fulham could be too close to call, but he is looking forward to the encounter nonetheless.

“How can you call it?” said Bruce. “Fulham are favourites? They’re always wrong the bookies! It will be close. We are all looking forward to it.”