Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is expected to recover from a shoulder injury he sustained in the Champions League final in time to play at least some part of Egypt's World Cup campaign.īut will he be fit to play Friday's opening game on the day he turns 26? Millions of Egyptians are anxious to know, and the intense interest isn't restricted to Egypt. The emphasis on the team returning to the World Cup after 28 years has given way to attention on an individual player ahead of Egypt's World Cup opener against Uruguay. Regardless of those things, I am sure we have the players to take us through to the round of 16 as a minimum.A file image of Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah. Obviously, there have been some negative issues, like the Salah saga with the EFA, which we hope will be solved soon, coupled with Elneny's injury and Ahmed El-Shenawy's ACL injury which ruled him out of the World Cup. The mood is high, and players and fans alike are excited. However, will a long season as part of Jurgen Klopp's intense, draining Liverpool side leave Salah with enough in the tank to maintain his form? Projected XI What the local media says Of course, Egypt don't attack teams in the same way as Liverpool, but the responsibility of playing for his nation can bring the best out of Salah, too - as he demonstrated by topping Africa's scoring charts during qualification.
There haven't been many African players in history who could match his output and contribution in the Premier League this term, and a strong tournament may see him end Africa's wait for a second Ballon d'Or winner. Star playerįitness permitting, all eyes will be on Salah this summer, and unsurprisingly so. Mohamed Elneny's injury concerns also threaten to deny them a forceful personality and a valuable midfield presence. If things don't go their way early in matches, or if they fall behind, the Pharaohs are in danger of running out of ideas. If the Liverpool man is not there otr, even if he is, gets neutralised by opponents, they can lack a Plan B while, too often, Cuper's conservative approach means that the team can struggle to shift gears. Islam Safwat/NurPhoto via Getty Images Biggest weaknessīeyond Salah, Egypt are limited and you can expect accusations of the Pharaohs being a one-man team to persist throughout the summer. Salah's stellar season should translate to the national team as they hope to spring an upset. If he does make it, there aren't too many players in world football in better form than Salah, whose stock has been transformed since returning to the Premier League with Liverpool this season.Įgypt's group stage opponents are likely to struggle to silence Salah, while his momentum could help the Pharaohs topple a heavyweight or two as the tournament progresses. If that is the case, he will be a doubt to face Uruguay on June 15.
One of the biggest questions going into the World Cup will be: Will Mohamed Salah be there? The 26-year-old suffered a shoulder injury playing for Liverpool in the Champions League final and it is estimated he will miss three weeks. It was a nerveless finish by the "Egyptian Messi" that took Egypt to their first World Cup since 1990 and prompted scenes of jubilation across the North African nation. The Liverpool superstar was again the hero in their penultimate group game against Congo, when he stepped up to convert a 94th-minute penalty after Arnold Bouka Moutou had cancelled out his 63rd-minute opener. They weren't made to pay for a shock defeat away in Kampala against Uganda in August, as Ghana failed to beat Congo-Brazzaville at home, and then took a major step toward the finals when Mohamed Salah settled the return clash in Alexandria.
Who they areįIFA Rank (as of May 1, 2018): 46 How they qualifiedĮgypt capitalised as Ghana lost their way, first under Avram Grant and then under Kwesi Appiah, to establish a five-point lead over the Black Stars after their first two matches. ESPN FC is previewing every team ahead of the opening game on June 14. The 2018 World Cup is just over a month away and all 32 teams are preparing in earnest for their shot at the trophy in Russia.
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