Express & Star

West Brom defender Ali Gabr available for FA Cup clash after receiving work permit

Egyptian centre-back Ali Gabr has finally received his work permit to play in England and will be available for selection on Saturday.

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Ali Gabr. (AMA)

The 29-year-old has been unavailable for three games since his loan move from Zamalek was completed.

But his paperwork has now been processed, meaning he can play in the FA Cup fifth round clash with Southampton if head coach Alan Pardew chooses.

Gabr spent some time in Cairo while the British Embassy ratified his work permit, but he has now joined up with the rest of the squad in Barcelona for warm weather training.

Albion paid Egyptian side Zamalek £438,000 to take Gabr on loan until the end of the season and included in the deal is an option to buy him for £1.1m in the summer.

Nacer Chadli has also travelled to Spain for warm weather training, while James Morrison has stayed in the West Midlands.

However, they are both still expected to return in mid-March and have been split up due to different rehabilitation needs.

Daniel Sturridge is due to have a scan on his hamstring problem today, but early estimated suggest he will be out for two weeks.