Egypt boss issues huge Mo Salah update on eve of World Cup opener

Posted by

Mohamed Salah is expected to define fitness doubts and be passed fit to feature in Egypt’s World Cup opener against Uruguay.

The Liverpool star has been nursing a shoulder injury that saw his Champions League final against Real Madrid cut short last month.

Salah was forced off in the first half after locking his arm beneath Sergio Ramos during a tussle for the ball and was later seen wearing a sling.

Egypt’s talisman has granted his nation a welcomed boost on the day before their first appearance at the tournament since 1990.

Speaking to reporters in a press conference, Cuper told ESPN: “I can almost 100 percent say he will play, save for any unforeseen factors at the last minute.”

“We’re trying to make him feel confident. The doctors are giving him the options to play or not. I know Salah very well, he’s not fearful, we always know we’re running a risk when playing a match, that’s something we can’t hide.”

“But if he does decide to play he’ll have full guarantees on his physical condition and I’m sure he will be fine. And if it does turn out there’s an issue at the last minute we’ll consider it and see if it can be resolved.”

Mohamed Salah – image by Liverpoolfc.com

SEE MORE:
Real Madrid reach agreement with €80m Liverpool target

It seems Salah will be available for Friday’s showdown against Luis Suarez’s side, although that could entail beginning the game on the bench.

Having been limited in training and with his recovery being so recent, it would be deemed a risk to throw him straight into the starting lineup against a notoriously physical Uruguay.

Nonetheless, resisting the chance to play him from the off promises to be a tough ask given the enormity of his influence.

Egypt booked their place at the World Cup thanks to an injury-time penalty from Salah in their decisive qualifier win over Congo. It would be no over-exaggeration to suggest the hopes of an entire nation rest on his rather fragile shoulder.

More Stories Egypt Hector Cuper Mohamed Salah