Salah injury news gives Egypt boost ahead of World Cup

Joe Williams

The Egyptian Football Federation has announced it does not expect Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury to keep him out for longer than three weeks, paving the way for him to feature at the World Cup.

The Liverpool forward is in a race against time to be fit for the start of the tournament in Russia next month after being forced off the pitch in tears during Saturday’s Champions League final.

EFA president Hani Abu Reda, national team coach Hector Cuper and doctor Mohamed Abou El-Ela met with Salah on Wednesday in Valencia, where the 25-year-old is undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

A post on the federation’s Facebook page read: “The delegation of the national team was briefed on the recovery programme for the player, who is walking well and aims to join the squad in the World Cup, as well as the determination of the great player to catch up with his team-mates.

“For his part, Mohamed Abou El-Ela said that the period of absence of Salah due to injury will not exceed three weeks.”

Egypt’s opening World Cup match takes place on June 15 against Uruguay, with their second against hosts Russia coming four days later.

Should Salah not return in time for either of those games, he could still appear in Egypt’s final group match against Saudi Arabia on June 25.