Earlier on Thursday, Egypt head coach Hector Cuper said that Salah, who sustained a shoulder injury in late May, was almost certain to play against Uruguay if nothing unexpected happened.

“I can say that our 23 players are in great shape. As for Salah, I would be very glad if he could play in this match after the injury he picked up. Whether Salah plays or not in this match has not affected our preparations. If a player like Salah is on the pitch we, of course, should be more careful and try to stop him [from causing us problems],” Tabarez told journalists.

Two-time champions Uruguay have been drawn in Group A alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia.