Salah stands in Russia’s path to last-16
STPETERSBURG:MOHAMED Salah is a looming obstacle as Russia attempt to virtually secure their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.
Fears that poor performances from the home side could dampen enthusiasm in the host nation were blown away by a 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in the opening game. The seven-time African champions will pose a much tougher task, but a lot will depend upon Salah’s fitness.
Liverpool star Salah has not featured since leaving the field in tears in the Champions League final just over three weeks ago after landing heavily on his left shoulder and had to watch from the bench as Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their opening game.
Salah has been declared 100 percent fit by Egypt’s team doctor and his agent, leaving little doubt he will be thrown back into action.
However, as he returned to training on Saturday, Salah was seen by AFP 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 told FIFA.COM. 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.
RUSSIA COACH WISHES SALAH QUICK RECOVERY
Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov’s wants Egypt’s biggest star to play because it will heighten the contest.
Cherchesov says “God willing, he’ll be fit and entertain the fans, not just of Egypt but the whole world. He’s the kind of player who lights up games and tournaments like this.”
Cherchesov isn’t giving away any details of how Russia will play with or without Salah on the field in St. Petersburg, but says Egypt isn’t necessarily doomed to a second defeat if Salah’s not fit.
He says “It’s clear they have other players who play at a good level with pretty modern football.”