YEKATERINBURG: Mohamed Salah was kept on the bench in Egypt’s opening World Cup defeat against Uruguay on Friday because the team did not want to risk further injury to the Liverpool star. On the eve of the Uruguay match in Yekaterinburg, which the South Americans won 1-0, Egypt coach Hector Cuper said Salah was fit, raising the Pharoahs’ hopes that he would start the Group A clash. Egypt coach Hector Cuper reacts during the match. REUTERS Photo“He’s certainly important, nobody can deny that, but you need a good team too – and we are a good team,” said Cuper. “We want him on top form for Saudi Arabia and Russia.” --AFPUruguay's Jose Gimenez scores their first goal REUTERS PhotoGet the latest World Cup 2018 scores, highlights and updates from our dedicated World Cup page

Source: New Strait Times June 15, 2018 16:29 UTC