World Cup: Egypt star Mohamed Salah ‘almost 100%’ fit for Uruguay clash

Salah set to play for Egypt

Mohamed Salah came into the World Cup as a major injury doubt but according to Egypt coach Hector Cuper he looks likely to play in their opening group A match against Uruguay.

Egypt take on Uruguay tomorrow (1pm) and Cuper says the forward will not be afraid to line up at the Ekaterinburg Arena.

Quoted by the BBC, Cuper said: “I can almost assure you 100% he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute. He could become the top goalscorer here and one of the greatest players.” 

Liverpool striker Salah injured his shoulder playing in the Champions League against Real Madrid but has recovered “very, very quickly”. Cuper added: “We’re trying to make him feel confident. 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.”

World Cup fixtures: Friday, 15 June

• Group A: Egypt vs. Uruguay (1pm, BBC One) 
• Group B: Morocco vs. Iran (4pm, ITV)  
• Group B: Portugal vs. Spain (7pm, BBC One)

Rashford misses training again

Marcus Rashford was forced to sit out England training for a second day but the striker is confident he’ll be fit to face Tunisia on Monday if he’s selected.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the Manchester United star is a doubt for the group G clash against Tunisia and only has two days to prove his fitness to England coach Gareth Southgate. Sky Sports adds that the 20-year-old has a “knock to the knee” but was able to do some work in the gym at the team’s hotel.

Rashford tweeted that he wasn’t worried about the injury concerns. He said: “Thanks for the messages I’ve been getting. Picked up a slight niggle but nothing to worry about.”

Zlatan tips Germany

Holders Germany are the team to beat at the World Cup says former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The LA Galaxy star believes the 2014 champions are a “machine” and can defend their title in Russia. Quoted by ESPN, Ibrahimovic said: “Germany is the Deutsche machine. You know they will do good, and they always do good.

“And I always say, a good team doesn’t have 11 players, they have 22 fantastic players. And with Germany, it’s not like you have a star. I think the team is the star, and that’s why they’re so strong.”