ELNENY RETURN BOOST FOR EGYPT IN FINAL WARM-UP TIE AGAINST BELGIUM
▶ Sidelined with ankle injury since April, Arsenal midfielder should return for today’s friendly ahead of World Cup
Egypt hope to welcome back from injury Mohamed Elneny when they take on Belgium in their final World Cup warm-up match today.
The North Africans, still uncertain about the timing of Mohamed Salah’s return to the team, face the world No 3-ranked side in Brussels ahead of a first global finals in 28 years. Egypt drew their penultimate warm-up against Colombia in Italy last Friday, meaning they have won only two in nine fixtures.
However, they should be buoyed by Elneny’s availability after the Arsenal midfielder stepped up rehabilitation last week from ankle ligament damage sustained in April.
Despite the seriousness of the setback, Elneny was named on Monday in Hector Cuper’s final list.
The former Basel star’s form had been improving in the second half of the 2017/18 Premier League season, prompting him to sign a new, longterm contract with Arsenal in March. Yet the injury picked up against West Ham United the following month had threatened his international prospects.
However, Egypt could be without playmaker Abdallah El Said. The attacking midfielder, 32, did not take part in training in Italy on Monday because of a slight problem in his hamstring.
El Said, who represents Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, carries a significant amount of attacking thrust, especially in Salah’s absence. He scored vital goals in the qualifiers late last year against Congo and Ghana.
Following the Belgium encounter, Egypt will return to Cairo for a few days’ training before they leave for Russia on Sunday. Placed in Group A alongside hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, they kick off their campaign on June 15 against the South Americans in Yekaterinburg.
It remains to be seen whether Salah will be passed fit for the opener, after the Liverpool forward injured his left shoulder during last month’s Uefa Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, Egypt’s return to the world stage constitutes a real source of pride for the country. The significance of the tournament has not been lost on Omar Gaber, the Los Angeles defender on loan from Swiss side Basel.
“After 28 years, I think it is special for this generation [to play in the World Cup],” Gaber told the Los Angeles FC official Twitter account.
“All the people will remember us after we retire. I’m so proud that I will represent my country and my national team in the World Cup. It’s a big honour for sure, so I’m so happy and so excited as well. Hopefully we will be able to perform and do well at the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Uruguay defender Diego Godin is under no illusion of the threat posed by Egypt next week, with or without Salah.
“Egypt are the first opponent we have ahead and it is the most important game in our heads at the moment,” he said.
“It is a difficult team. They are organised and have a great coach with very clear ideas.
“We will see if Salah will play or not; it is clear that he is an important weapon for Egypt. Whether he plays or not, our plans and preparations will not change. It is evident that Egypt are changing and their potential will grow with Salah. He is a crucial player and decisive players make the difference.”
Following the Belgium encounter, Egypt will return to Cairo for a few days’ training before they leave for Russia on Sunday