Mo Salah looks set for selection against Russia

Macdara Ferris reporting from St Petersburg

Having missed out on Egypt’s opening World Cup match, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, Mo Salah seems set to come into Hector Cuper’s starting line up for Tuesday evening’s game against Russia.

The Egyptian boss, speaking at the pre-match press conference in St. Petersburg, has declared the Liverpool striker fit for the clash against the tournament hosts.

“Nobody can deny how important he is and I say that with all due respect to the rest of the players in the squad,” said Cuper about Salah. “We have to try to find alternatives but I’m optimistic he will be able to play. Salah is fit and is an essential part of our team.”

The talismanic Salah was crucial in Egypt qualifying for their first World Cup since Italia 90, including scoring the 94^th minute penalty against Congo to secure their berth in Russia.

After the injury picked up in the Champions League final, Salah failed a fitness test ahead of their opening World Cup game and had to sit out the match in Ekaterinburg where Egypt conceded a late goal to lose 1-0.

Facing the hosts in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, Egypt need all the attacking options available to them with three points probably a must if they are to get beyond the group stages – and that means having Salah in the starting XI.

His manager stated that “Salah is one of the best players in the world, in the top 10 today beyond doubt. As well as being talented, he is humble and plays as a team player which is very important.

“He is an important offensive weapon and when we don’t have him we feel his absence.”

Cuper has traditionally has set his team’s up quite conservativly and even though Egypt require a win, it sounded like he won’t be changing up his system.

“We have an identity and a personality. We have our style and it may not please everybody.

“We had attacking options in the last game but we missed that last touch on the ball. That level of technical good fortune that allows a ball to become a goal.

“Against Uruguay we didn’t have that finishing luck that we had in other matches. In any case, I’m confident we will have opportunities.

“I have one thing that is essential, that I have players that are confident and convinced with what they are doing.”

Macdara will be at tonight's game between Russia and Egypt and will bring you all the action from the Group A clash.