Dynamo Moscow and Russia defender Konstantin Rausch, who is currently training with the country's preliminary FIFA World Cup squad in Austria, told Sputnik Monday that he wanted Egypt star Mohamed Salah to recover from injury and play at this summer's tournament.
Salah, Liverpool's top scorer this season with 44 goals to his name, injured ligaments in his shoulder during the Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday, which the Reds eventually lost 3-1.
Egyptian Sports Minister Khaled Mahmoud Abdel Aziz said on Sunday that Salah was expected to recover in the next two weeks and was to be included in Egypt’s final World Cup squad.
"I wish him a speedy recovery. All the supporters want to see a footballer like him play at the World Cup. I can definitely say that I wouldn't be glad if he didn't play against us. I want him to play at the World Cup," Rausch said.
The defender added that although lots of teams tried to keep the Egypt striker at bay, Salah still managed to score almost in every game this season.
"This season, he was like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Everybody tries to figure out ways to stop them. It's hard but we're getting ready. We'll definitely have a plan for the game (against Egypt)," Rausch said.
Russia's first-ever FIFA World Cup will take place from June 14 to July 15 at 12 venues in 11 host cities. Egypt will play hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group A.
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