EGYPT
Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny may be fit for World Cup
The Egypt international damaged ligaments in his left ankle while playing for Arsenal against West Ham United on Sunday.
Egypt and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny may be available for the World Cup despite sustaining ankle ligament damage, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has said.
The Egyptian damaged ligaments in his left ankle in Sunday’s 4-1 home victory over West Ham United following a collision with Mark Noble.
"Mohamed Elneny is out for the rest of the season," Wenger said at a press conference on Wednesday.
"I think he will be available for Egypt at the World Cup, but not any more for Arsenal."
Wenger added that the earliest Elneny could return is for the North Londoners' final Premier League match of the season at Huddersfield on 13 May.
The midfielder is one of Egypt's key players, having started in all six of their World Cup qualifiers.
Salah sends message to Elneny
The newly crowned PFA Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah, is among those that hope Elneny recovers quickly.
Besides being colleagues for Egypt, the two played together at Basel during the 2013-2014 campaign.
Salah reached out to his team-mate via Twitter, in a message that can be translated as "May peace be upon you, Nino, God willing."
In the World Cup, Egypt will face hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group A, with their opening match coming on 15 June against Uruguay.