Mohamed Salah 'almost 100 per cent' to play in Egypt's opener against Uruguay

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 14/06/2018 at 13:20 GMT

Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah has recovered from a shoulder injury and will play in their World Cup opener against Uruguay, coach Hector Cuper has confirmed.

"I can almost assure you 100 per cent that he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute," Cuper said ahead of Friday's Group A match.

The 25-year-old injured shoulder ligaments in the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid on May 26 and has not played since.

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"We're trying to make him feel confident - even the doctors are giving him the option to play or not, but I know Salah very well and I'm sure he's not afraid, he's not fearful," Cuper added.

"In terms of him on the pitch - if he does decide to play he'll have full guarantees in terms of his physical condition, he's going to be fine. Certainly he doesn't feel afraid."

Fans carry posters of Egypt's Mohamed Salah

Image credit: Reuters

The Liverpool forward, who scored 44 goals last season, has had his fitness for the tournament in doubt since the showpiece match.

Asked about Salah's chances of starring at the tournament, Cuper said: "Why not? He could become the top goalscorer here and one of the greatest players."

Fans have been in suspense before Egypt's first World Cup finals in 28 years, but now they can at least know their star man will appear.

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