World Cup 2018: Mohamed Salah only ’60 per cent fit’ for Egypt’s thumping at the hands of Russia, claims Alan Shearer
England legend believes the Liverpool star didn't deserve to have his tournament end in such a manner in St Petersburg
MOHAMED SALAH was only "60 per cent fit" for Egypt's thumping at the hands of Russia, claims Alan Shearer.
The England legend believes Liverpool star Salah didn't deserve to have his tournament end in such a manner.
Salah did score a consolation penalty in St Petersburg but never got out of second gear as the hosts' second-half rout sealed a 3-1 win.
In doing so, Russia all-but booked their place in the last-16 - essentially sending the Pharaohs packing, too.
After the game, Shearer claimed: "After the season [Salah's] had and the way it ended you've got to feel for him.
"He was really struggling. His touch wasn't there.
"He doesn't deserve to end like that with the last four, five weeks since the Champions League and the injury he's had.
"I'm pleased he got his goal but it's a tough time for him.
"We've got to praise his character. He's about 60 to 70 per cent fit and he gave it a go and he got his goal."
In the first half, Salah managed just 19 touches of the ball - the fewest of all Egyptian outfield players as he failed to put his stamp on proceedings.
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While he did become only the third Egypt star to score at a World Cup - after winning and converting his penalty - he was a shadow of his Liverpool 2017-18 self.
Salah injured his shoulder during the Reds' 3-1 Champions League final defeat at the hands of Real Madrid following a tangle with Sergio Ramos.
Speculation has been rife ever since regarding his fitness, but it was clear to see he was anything but 100 per cent ready.