Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2148445/mohamed-salah-faces-fight-world-cup-fitness-liverpool-physio-gives
Sport/ Football

Mohamed Salah faces fight for World Cup fitness as Liverpool physio gives injury update

Egypt star flies to Spain for treatment with national and club doctors after Champions League final heartbreak

Mohamed Salah is injured after a challenge by Sergio Ramos (front) during the Champions League final. Photo: EPA

Mohamed Salah faces a fight to play in any of Egypt’s World Cup group games, according to one of Liverpool’s physiotherapists.

Club physio Ruben Pons has estimated Salah would normally need “three to four weeks” to recover from the left shoulder injury he sustained during last weekend’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.

A three-week absence would keep Salah out of action until June 19 while four weeks would see the forward sidelined until June 26, the day after Egypt’s last group game. Salah may also then need to regain a degree of match fitness.

Egypt’s opening fixture in Group A is against Uruguay on June 15. They then face Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah walks off the pitch in tears after sustaining an injury in the Champions League final. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah walks off the pitch in tears after sustaining an injury in the Champions League final. Photo: Reuters

“He is sad about what happened but he is totally focused on recovery and seeing when he can be ready,” Pons told Spanish daily Marca.

“In principle it will be three to four weeks but we are going to try to reduce those deadlines, that’s the big goal.”

Salah has flown to Spain to undergo treatment, accompanied by doctors from both Liverpool and the Egyptian national team.

The 25-year-old had to be substituted during the first half of Liverpool’s defeat in Kiev after being pulled to the ground by Sergio Ramos.

Egyptian fans in Cairo watch the Champions League final. Photo: AFP
Egyptian fans in Cairo watch the Champions League final. Photo: AFP

He left the field in tears but appeared more optimistic on Sunday, when he wrote on Twitter: “It was a very tough night, but I’m a fighter.

“Despite the odds, I’m confident that I’ll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your love and support will give me the strength I need.”