St Petersburg: Mohamed Salah is a looming obstacle as hosts Russia attempt to virtually secure their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup here Tuesday by winning the game against Egypt.
The seven-time African champions will pose a much tougher task than Saudi Arabia did in the opener, but a lot will depend upon Salah’s fitness. The Liverpool star has not featured since leaving the field in tears early in the Champions League final and had to watch from the bench as Egypt lost 0-1 to Uruguay in their opening game.
Salah has been declared 100 per cent fit by Egypt’s team doctor and his agent, leaving little doubt he will be thrown back into action in the Pharaohs’ hour of need.
Russia’s game is fateful and difficult because of our defeat against Uruguay. Winning is our only choice
Ihab Leheta, Egypt coach
However, as he returned to training Saturday, Salah was seen by the agency reporters at Egypt’s training camp in Grozny needing help from teammates to lift a training top over his head.
“Salah participated in training with his teammates for the entire session and he is ready to play against Russia according to technical staff,” Egypt’s team manager Ihab Leheta informed.
Egypt coach Hector Cuper’s decision not to risk Salah against Uruguay may have been influenced by the fact his side held out for 89 minutes before conceding to Jose Gimenez, by which time the Argentine had made all three of his substitutions.
If fully fit, the sight of Salah, who scored 44 goals in a remarkable debut season at Liverpool, will strike fear into the Russians.
