“He has this opportunity, he can become one of the top scorers or even the top scorer [of the tournament]. No one thinks that he is not capable of doing it. The best strikers are here [at the World Cup], but he can compete with them for the title,” Cuper told journalists.

The head coach added that the 25-year-old striker, who suffered a shoulder injury in late May, has had a personal training program and is watched by doctors to ensure he is fully recovered as quick as possible.

Salah, who was the English Premier League's top goalscorer last season with 32 goals under his belt, held his first group training with Egypt since picking up the injury on Wednesday.

The World Cup will get underway later on Thursday, with the final set to be played on July 15. The matches will take place at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.

Egypt will play Uruguay in Yekaterinburg on Friday, before also facing hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia in their other two Group A matches.