Russia v Egypt
Egypt's Liverpool striker Mo Salah could appear for Egypt in their second group game of the World Cup against hosts Russia tonight.
He was on the bench when Egypt lost 1-0 against Uruguay on Friday and wasn't used even in the closing stages when his side were desperate for an equaliser. His non-appearance prompted many to ask if Salah really was match fit after the shoulder injury which forced him out of the Champions League Final against Real Madrid.
Egypt coach Hector Cuper stated in his pre-match press conference: "He is fit. I hope he will be fit to play. In the previous match we thought he was fit but we have a final fitness test."
Salah was Egypt's top scorer in qualifying with five goals from five starts.
Ahmed Fathi is expected to be fit after a minor injury he sustained in the opening game against Uruguay as is midfielder Tarek Hamed.
Egypt have still to win a World Cup Finals game (drawn two, lost three) and this will be the first ever game between the teams. They have also failed to score in their last three World Cup games.
Russia made the best possible start to their campaign with a 5-0 in the opening game of the tournament against Saudi Arabia. A win tonight will almost certainly put them through to the knockout stage for the first time since 1986.
Alan Dzagoev is unavailable after he pulled his hamstring in the opening game but defender Yuri Zhirkov is fit despite an ankle injury.
