Delight for Egypt as Mohamed Salah included in 2018 World Cup squad

Despite suffering a shoulder injury in May, the Egyptian forward has been included in the national team’s 23-man roster for the prestigious World Cup tournament in Russia next week.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Much to the delight of Egypt fans, 25-year-old Mohamed Salah will join his national teammates in Moscow as his rehabilitation from injury continues.

Despite suffering a shoulder injury in May, the Egyptian forward has been included in the national team’s 23-man roster for the prestigious World Cup tournament in Russia next week.

Salah, who scored a record-breaking 44 goals in all competitions for English Premier League side Liverpool last season, suffered a nasty injury in his team’s UEFA Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid last month.

He left the pitch in tears before half-time, holding his left shoulder after a nasty challenge with Madrid defender Sergio Ramos who appeared to deliberately wrestle the Egyptian to the ground, injuring him in the process.

Mohamed Salah was in tears after he was forced off through injury in the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in May. Liverpool lost the match 3-1. (Photo: PA)
Mohamed Salah was in tears after he was forced off through injury in the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in May. Liverpool lost the match 3-1. (Photo: PA)

Since then, Salah has undergone treatment for his shoulder in Valencia, Spain, as fans around the world waited eagerly for news of his inclusion in the national team for this summer’s international showpiece.

Egypt is making their first appearance in the World Cup since 1990 thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time penalty scored by the Liverpool star against Congo back in October.

The Pharaohs, as they are commonly known, face a tough task in a group where they will play against hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

They begin their tournament against Uruguay on June 15 (Salah is a doubt for that match) before facing Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place between June 14 and July 15 with 32 teams from five different confederations competing.