World Cup 2018

Salah not in starting XI for Egypt's World Cup opener

Egypt star Mohamed Salah, injured in the Champions League final, will not start his side's World Cup opener.

Ben Spratt
15 June, 2018 16:01 IST

Mohamed Salah has not been named in the starting XI in Egypt's fist match in the World Cup against Uruguay.   -  AFP

Ben Spratt
15 June, 2018 16:01 IST

Mohamed Salah has not been named in Egypt's starting XI as it begins its World Cup campaign against Uruguay.

Liverpool star Salah, who celebrates his 26th birthday on Friday, suffered a shoulder injury in his side's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, seemingly putting his participation in the finals in doubt.

And despite reports - supported by coach Hector Cuper - that the former Roma man had made a swift recovery and would start, he has not made the XI in Yekaterinburg.

Salah netted the decisive goals to fire Egypt to a first World Cup since 1990, as well scoring 44 times for Liverpool this season in all competitions.

There is no room in the Egypt line-up for 45-year-old goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary either, as he looks to become the oldest player in finals history at Russia 2018.

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