Analysis: Do Egypt still stand a chance at the World Cup?
A nasty-looking shoulder injury leaves Mohamed Salah’s World Cup hopes in the balance.
The Egyptian FA have since provided an update saying there is ‘optimism’ for their leading light, but the way Salah went off against Real Madrid still leaves supporters feeling uneasy.
Poignant scenes of the Egyptian being hauled off in tears might not affect Liverpool, whose season ended in disappointment, however for Egypt the ramifications could be huge.
Salah’s spot kick against Congo secured the Pharaohs’ spot in the World Cup, and Egypt would never have imagined going to Russia without their talisman.
His suspected dislocated shoulder means his chances of playing this summer are jeopardized.
Egypt haven’t appeared at a World Cup since 1990. Mohamed Salah has been a fundamental part of their re-ignition on the prime stage, and although it is unfair to point to him as the only significant player for the Africans, his impact could be massive.
Egypt look to the Liverpool winger for inspiration, a touch of quality and something special. That is necessary at the World Cup, and casting an eye over the remainder of their squad it is hard to see where else that expertise will come from.
Egypt left praying
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If Salah doesn’t go to the World Cup, Egypt look starved of attacking options.
The Liverpool winger was the man to clinch the Pharaohs’ spot in the tournament. Without him, much like Liverpool in the Champions League final, their identity and direction would be at a loss.
Whilst it is unhealthy to say that one man to carries a team, Salah’s importance on the international stage has been proven time and time again.
His 33 goals in 57 appearances is a return almost as good as from a magnificent debut season with Liverpool, and it is admittedly difficult to conceive Egypt without their star man.
Arguably the best player this term, it would be a shame for everyone to see Mohamed Salah sit out, especially after the devastation he has caused for the Reds.
Where will Egypt’s goals come from without Mohamed Salah?
I have already touched on Salah’s superb statistics in an Egypt shirt, and unfortunately for the Pharaohs there are no other players even close to producing his number of goals consistently.
29-year-old Ahmed Gomaa is yet to score, Braga’s Kouka has five and Marwan Mohsen has chalked up four so far.
There is no denying that Ahmed Hegazi and Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny can still provide resolution, but the essential spark needed to succeed at the World Cup simply isn’t there without Salah. He transforms Egypt into a completely different prospect.
Egypt are fortunate in the fact that they have a relatively even group, and perhaps churning out results rather than watching their talisman sear across the turf has to be a last-minute tactical change if they are to get through to the knockouts at least.
Egypt are not a one-man team by any means, however Salah adds a star quality otherwise absent in their side.
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How far do you think Egypt will go in the World Cup should Mohamed Salah be forced to miss out?