Mo flies to Russia but does not train
Grozny, June 10: Egypt’s Mohamed Salah arrived in Russia on Sunday, with the Pharaohs hopeful the star striker can complete a dramatic injury comeback in time for their opening World Cup match against Uruguay.
Salah and his team mates touched down in Grozny ahead of Egypt’s third appearance at the World Cup, ending a drought stretching back to 1990.
On Saturday, Salah turned up for Egypt training in Cairo ahead of the Pharaohs’ departure for the World Cup in Russia but didn’t take part. Although dressed in kit, Salah stood around in the middle of the pitch chatting to backroom staff while his team mates trained.
The seven-time African champions play their opening Group A fixture on Friday, June 15, against Uruguay.
“The team is ready for the competition and morale is high,” national team manager Ihab Leheta said at the Grozny International Airport.
The goal-scoring talisman has been sidelined since exiting Liverpool’s 31 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in tears after injuring his shoulder when Sergio Ramos wrestled him to the ground.
Team doctor Mohamed Abou al-Ela told ON Sport TV on Saturday night that they would make an assessment on Salah’s ability to play early this week.
“We won’t be able to tell until after two days,” he said, declining to give any more details.
“We will not have him play unless he has totally recovered.” — AFP