Egypt optimistic Mo Salah to be fit for World Cup despite shoulder injury

Egypt’s national team doctor said he is optimistic Mohamed Salah will recover in time to play at the World Cup after suffering an injury to his shoulder joint ligaments in Liverpool’s European Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

The 25-year-old was forced off with what looked a shoulder injury in the 31st minute of Saturday’s final in Kiev.

Salah, who scored 44 goals in all competitions for Juergen Klopp’s side this season, took a tumble following a challenge from Real captain Sergio Ramos and required treatment on the pitch although he came back on moments later.

Salah, who will carry Egypt’s hopes at next month’s World Cup in Russia, then crumbled to the ground for a second time and was seen crying when he got up and then left the field to be replaced by Liverpool’s England international Adam Lallana.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on its Twitter account that it had contacted Liverpool’s medical team to seek updates over Salah’s injury.

“The Liverpool officials said scans showed that the injury is a sprain of the shoulder joint ligaments … doctor Mohamed Aboul-Ella expressed his optimism that, according to this diagnosis, Salah will be able to play at the World Cup,” the EFA said.

Egypt will still be facing an anxious wait as they gear up for their first World Cup appearance since 1990, with Salah shouldering their hopes of qualifying from Group A that also includes Uruguay, hosts Russia and Arab Gulf side Saudi Arabia.

The Pharaohs open their campaign against Uruguay on 15 June.

Source: Ahram Online