Egypt coach Hector Cuper admitted that he is planning for a replacement for Mohamed Salah in the coming World Cup just in case his star man is not fully fit to start in Russia, according to a report published on The Independent.
Liverpool’s Salah is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that he suffered during the Champions League final against Real Madrid last month in Kiev.
“We hope we won't be affected, we try to be the same team, we can't be dependent on one player,” coach Cuper was quoted as saying by The Independent.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “He's important but if he's not fit in time we will be ready with another player.
“This is football, these things can happen to any player. We could need to substitute him, but we hope that won't be the case.”
Salah, who is supposed to be the nation’s torchbearer in the football extravaganza starting from June 14, was included in Egypt’s final 23-man squad. However, the team’s medical staff suggested that it will be touch and go for the player to be ready in time for their Group A opener against Uruguay in Ekaterinburg on June 15.
“Salah is in a stage of recovery not just for treatment on his shoulder,” Cuper added. “We need to improve his demeanour and his fitness level because the injury has prevented him from training as a normal player.
“But we have very good news from our doctor, we hope he will be with us before Uruguay. We are optimists and we are waiting for him.”
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