No qualified nation’s World Cup cycle has been quite as dramatic as that of Egypt’s. The Pharaohs got off to a flyer in qualifying before an August defeat to Uganda threw everything in jeopardy. Step forward Mohamed Salah.
The Liverpool winger was instrumental in reviving Egypt’s hopes after scoring the lone goal in the reverse fixture against Uganda in Alexandria, and then Salah secured the nation’s first World Cup appearance since 1990 by scoring a brace against Congo last October — including an incredibly dramatic 94th minute penalty to spark wild scenes across the cradle of civilization.
With manager Hector Cuper favoring a pragmatic approach based off defensive solidity, Salah’s five goals throughout qualifying were the major catalyst for finishing above both Uganda and Ghana.
Egypt’s joy was turned into delirium on December 1 when it was revealed that they’d be contesting the World Cup’s weakest group. Egypt has never advanced beyond the group stage, but matches against Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia represent a favorable opportunity.
But the feel-good factor surrounding the Pharaohs collapsed on Saturday, May 26 in the Champions League final. Much like Pompey the Great seeking refuge in Egypt, only to be cutdown and beheaded on the shores of Pelusium, Salah suffered a catastrophic shoulder injury at the most inopportune time.
And if you thought that an Egyptian lawyer suing Sergio Ramos for $1.16 billion was a bit excessive, well, just know that Salah is Egypt’s leading scorer with 33 international goals. In second? That’s 32-year-old attacking midfielder Abdallah Said, who’s got six.
Initially, it was feared that the timetable on Salah’s return was from anywhere between four to six weeks. However, with the Egyptian star working in tandem with the national team and Liverpool to expedite the recovery process as much as possible, it’s been confirmed by EFA doctor Mohamed Abu Ula that Salah’s absence will be no more than three weeks.
If that’s the case, the 2018 Ballon d’Or hopeful will miss the opener against Uruguay before being a serious doubt for the second match against Russia. That match is scheduled for June 19 with Salah’s return date scheduled for June 20. You’d have to imagine that Salah will push for the Russia fixture. One day probably won't make that much of a difference.
Regardless, Egypt won’t change much with regards to their game plan to open the tournament. This is still a side that’s built off the spine of 45-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, the West Brom center back pairing of Ali Gabr and Ahmed Hegazi, and the screening midfield duo of Tarek Hamed and Mohamed El Neny. A scoreless draw with Uruguay to begin proceedings is still the dream.
They’ll be pretty dire to watch without Salah, but winger Trezeguet — who scored 13 goals and added six assists for Kasimpasa in the Super Lig this season — is an exciting young talent who'll now shoulder much of the attacking burden. Regardless, it’d be tragic to see Egypt eliminated in Russia without Salah having had an opportunity to play. Here’s to hoping he’s ready to go come June 19.
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