Egyptian international centre-back Ali Gabr joined West Bromwich Albion from Zamalek in the January transfer window but has not played yet.
In another tumultuous week for West Bromwich Albion, who lost 3-0 to Chelsea on Monday and sacked their chairman and chief executive a day later, there is finally some good news.
January signing Ali Gabr has finally received his work permit and is now free to make his debut for the Premier League strugglers.
West Brom signed the centre-back from Zamalek on loan last month with an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, Gabr joining Egyptian international teammate Ahmed Hegazi at The Hawthorns.
Red tape meant that the 29-year-old missed out on defeats to Southampton, Manchester City and Chelsea. But, according to the Birmingham Mail, Gabr will now be free to make his bow at last in this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Southampton.
The FA Cup has suddenly become hugely important for the Baggies as they aim to take their mind off their dismal form in the Premier League.
West Brom have won just one of their last 25 league games and currently sit bottom, a mammoth seven points adrift of safety.
They have also conceded 40 goals in 27 fixtures this season so manager Alan Pardew will be hoping that Gabr, like Hegazi, can adapt to English football quickly.
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