Mohamed Salah has become the latest high-profile player to suffer an injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup, raising concerns for Egypt as they prepare for their first tournament appearance since 2018. The 33-year-old Liverpool forward sustained a hamstring injury during Saturday's 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace and was substituted after limping off the pitch.

Egyptian football official Ibrahim Hassan confirmed that Salah has a hamstring tear and will require four weeks of treatment, effectively ending his club season. However, Hassan expressed confidence that Salah would be fit for the World Cup, where Egypt face Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran in Group G. Liverpool manager Arne Slot declined to speculate on the recovery timeline but praised Salah's professionalism.

This is not the first time Salah has faced a pre-World Cup setback; he injured his shoulder in the 2018 Champions League final but recovered in time to score two goals in the group stage. The 2026 tournament, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, kicks off on June 11, leaving several players racing against time to prove their fitness.

Other notable injuries include Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (hamstring), Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (hamstring), Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry (torn adductor), Brazil forward Rodrygo (torn meniscus and ACL), defender Eder Militao (hamstring), France striker Hugo Ekitike (Achilles tendon), Japan captain Wataru Endo (ankle), and Takumi Minamino (ACL). Some have been ruled out entirely, while others face uncertain recoveries.

Title contenders Spain, Brazil, and Germany are among those hoping key players return in time. The World Cup draw has placed Egypt in a competitive Group G, with matches scheduled from June 15 to June 26.

Source: www.aljazeera.com