The West Bromwich Albion man has still not received clearance to work in the United Kingdom.
The Baggies currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League table, and they appear to have received a blow ahead of next week’s game away at Chelsea, with the news that new signing Ali Gabr could miss the match at Stamford Bridge whilst he waits for his work permit to be ratified, according to the Express & Star.
West Brom currently sit four points adrift of safety, and Pardew would have been hoping to have all of his players fit and available to him ahead of his side’s trip to west London next week.
Unfortunately for the 56-year-old, however, it looks as if the 29-year-old Egyptian will not be available for selection.
According to the Express & Star, Ali Gabr is currently in Egypt where the British Embassy in Cairo is processing the paperwork submitted by the Baggies.
The Black Country outfit signed the centre-back on a season-long loan from Zamalek, with an option to buy for just £2.2 million in the summer, and Pardew will be hoping to have him available for selection as soon as possible, as his side continue their fight against the drop.
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