World Cup 2018: Egypt FA Speaks On Mohammed Salah Leaving World Cup Early

The Egyptian FA has ruled out Mohamed Salah leaving the World Cup early despite their elimination.

Salah made his first start since injuring his shoulder in the Champions League final when Egypt played Russia in their second World Cup group game on Tuesday, but could not prevent defeat.

A 3-1 loss to the hosts meant Egypt were dumped out, having also been beaten 1-0 in their opening fixture against Uruguay – which Salah watched from the substitutes’ bench.

Egypt head coach Hector Cuper insisted Salah was “100 per cent fit” for the tournament, but said their preparation had been impacted by the player needing to train alone as he recovered from injury.

But, contrary to reports, Salah says has not asked to leave before Egypt’s final group game against Saudi Arabia.

Writing in Arabic, Salah declared on Twitter: “Everyone in Egypt is together and there is absolutely no disagreement between us. We respect each other and the relationship is great.”

The Egyptian FA has also insisted Salah will not be heading home early – whether or not Liverpool are eager to have him back.

“I have no idea about Liverpool,” said the president of Egypt’s FA, Hany Abo Rida. “But we have our captain Mohamed Salah and under the rules FIFA requires him to be inside his camp and requires him to stay with his team.

“I do not know what Liverpool meant, but he did not ask his club any questions.

“He is happy to mingle with his teammates and he was shocked by what the press has written about him and denied it all on social media.

“We’re all perplexed by what has been published and have no idea where it came from.”