Salah return stands in Russia’s road to last 16

SAINT PETERSBURG: 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. The Liverpool Salah had to watch from the bench as Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their first 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.

However, as he returned to training on Saturday, Salah was seen by reporters at Egypt’s training camp in Grozny needing help from team-mates to lift a training top over his head. “Salah participated in training with his team-mates 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.