Egypt still hopeful about Mo

EGYPT forward Mohamed Salah remains a doubt to face Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Friday, the country’s football association has said.

The Liverpool player, who sustained a shoulder injury in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, took part in light training on Monday but Egyptian FA managing director Ehab Lehita said it was too early to say whether he would play against the South Americans.

“He is gradually getting better. However, I cannot confirm today that he will play in the first match,” Lehita said of the 25-year-old, who scored 44 goals for Liverpool last season.

“All I can say is that we hope he will play in this match.”

Former Egypt international Mido said he expects Salah to play in the opening match in Yekaterinburg.

“We heard that he is doing alright so it’s a question of whether he will start the game or whether he will be kept for the second half,” Mido, who earned 51 caps, told Sky Sports.

“But anyway we have a good team, well-organised.”

Meanwhile, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez says there is “nothing to worry about” regarding playmaker Eden Hazard’s fitness after his captain limped out of their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica.

Hazard was substituted with a dead leg in the 70th minute of Belgium’s 4-1 win in Brussels on Monday.

“Eden is okay, he had a little trouble, but it’s nothing to worry about,” the manager said.

“I really enjoyed his performance. He was sharp and strong, he was majestic.”

Belgium face Panama in their Group G opener on Monday. – Reuters