Salah not in starting XI for Egypt’s World Cup opener

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Mohamed Salah has not been named in Egypt’s starting XI as they begin their World Cup campaign against Uruguay.

Liverpool star Salah, who celebrates his 26th birthday on Friday, suffered a shoulder injury in his side’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, seemingly putting his participation in the finals in doubt.

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And despite reports – supported by coach Hector Cuper – that the former Roma man had made a swift recovery and would start, he has not made the XI in Yekaterinburg.

Salah netted the decisive goals to fire Egypt to a first World Cup since 1990, while also scoring 44 times for Liverpool this season in all competitions.

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There is no room in the Egypt line-up for 45-year-old goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary either, as he looks to become the oldest player in finals history at Russia 2018.

Uruguay, on the other hand, announced a full strength side for the opening clash, with the deadly strike duo of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani both starting.

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Dean Workman