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Agent, EFA confirm Mohamed Salah fitness for Egypt-Russia

Mohamed Salah gives a thumbs up. MAHMOUD KHALED/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Mohamed Salah's agent Ramy Abbas Issa and the Egyptian Football Association have confirmed that the Egypt forward is fit for the Pharaohs second World Cup game against Russia on Tuesday.

"Mohamed is fit," the player's representative wrote emphatically on his @RamyCol Twitter handle on Sunday, appearing to confirm that Salah will make his return to the side as they look to improve their tournament fortunes in Saint Petersburg.

On Saturday, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed that the 26-year-old took part in group exercises along with the rest of the squad, with Tarek Hamed - who was replaced with injury in Friday's 1-0 defeat by Uruguay - also taking part.

The EFA reported on Sunday that Salah participated in training in full, although full-back Ahmed Fathy did withdraw from the session early in slight discomfort.

Coach Hector Cuper had revealed ahead of Egypt's Group A opener against Uruguay on Friday that the attacker was fit and primed to feature, although he ultimately resisted the temptation to throw Salah on against the Celeste.

Despite holding their own for much of the encounter, Egypt were undone in the 89th minute when Gimenez headed past the impressive Mohamed El Shenawy.

The loss leaves Egypt avoiding defeat when they face Russia in their second group game on Tuesday.

The hosts began their campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Moscow on Thursday, and can secure their spot in the next round with a win against the North Africans.

Speaking after Egypt's defeat by Uruguay, Cuper told journalists that he wanted to avoid any risks with his side's star man in their opener.

"Mo Salah is an extremely important player for us, nobody can deny that, but you need to have a good team, and we have a good team," said the Argentinian, as per Reuters.

"Perhaps if Mo had been on the pitch today the outcome would have been different but we can't know that," he added. "Certainly, he has contributed a great amount to the team and will contribute in future matches.

"We wanted to avoid any risks in this match, but I think he will be fine for the next game."