Egypt forward Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury will keep him out of action for three to four weeks, Liverpool’s club physio has said, meaning he could miss the World Cup group stage.
The 25-year-old is desperate to play for Egypt in only their third World Cup and their first for 28 years but faces a race against time to be fit for next month’s Group A games.
“He is sad about what happened but is totally focused on recovery, seeing when he can be ready,” physio Ruben Pons told Spanish sports newspaper Marca of the injury to Salah during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.
“In principle it will be between three and four weeks but we will try to reduce those dates, that’s the big goal,” he added.
Egypt begin their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 15, before facing hosts Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25, meaning if Salah takes four weeks to recover he could be fit in time for the knockout phase.
On Sunday, Salah posted a message saying: “It was a very tough night, but I’m a fighter. Despite the odds, I’m confident that I’ll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your love and support will give me the strength I need.”
Egypt reached the tournament after Salah scored a 95th minute penalty to help them beat Congo 2-1 in October.
Salah, who scored 44 goals in a sensational first season for Liverpool after joining from AS Roma, was voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association this month, completing a sweep of England’s individual prizes and becoming the first African player to win the prestigious award.
Mohamed Salah could be fit in three weeks, says Liverpool physio
Mohamed Salah could be fit in three weeks, says Liverpool physio
- Forward could yet play some part at the World Cup
- 'In principle it will be between three and four weeks,' says Ruben Pons
Arsenal edge Palace on penalties to reach League Cup semifinals
- The Premier League leaders now play Chelsea in the last four of the League Cup
LONDON: Arsenal edged past Crystal Palace on penalties on Tuesday to reach the semifinals of the League Cup when goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved a spot kick from Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
His miss capped a miserable evening for Frenchman Lacroix, who scored an 80th- minute own goal before Palace captain Marc Guehi levelled in stoppage time to tie the game at 1-1.
Arsenal won the shootout 8-7, with all the other penalties converted.
The Premier League leaders now play Chelsea in the last four of the League Cup.
Arsenal, who dominated possession, finally got the breakthrough when Lacroix turned the ball past his own goalkeeper Walter Benitez as Palace failed to deal with an Arsenal corner.
Benitez had kept his team in the game with a string of fine saves in the first half, twice denying Noni Madueke from close range and also keeping out a header from Gabriel Jesus.
Palace, the FA Cup holders, improved after a poor first half but rarely threatened until Guehi pounced on a knockdown from a free kick to take the game to penalties.
The match was delayed from last week because it clashed with a Palace game in the UEFA Conference League.
Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday. Palace, who are eighth in the Premier League, are at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
