Salah almost 100 percent certain to play in Egypt's World Cup opener

Egypt is likely to have its star man for the country's first World Cup match in 28 years.

Head coach Hector Cuper told media Thursday that Mohamed Salah, who suffered a dislocated shoulder with Liverpool in last month's Champions League final, is expected to play Friday against Uruguay.

"Salah is doing very well indeed, he's recovered quickly. We'll see how it goes today," Cuper said, according to NBC Sport's Joe Prince-Wright. "We can say almost 100 percent he will play, barring any unforeseen factors at the last moment."

Salah sat on the pitch in tears after a collision with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, later admitting that he felt worried about his participation in the World Cup. There were fears that he would end up missing the tournament altogether, but Egypt's FA later cleared him to play for the Pharaohs.

Salah rejoined his international teammates in Wednesday's training session, giving his countrymen hope that he would lead Egypt from the very start of the World Cup.

He's a massive reason Egypt is even at the tournament, scoring five goals in qualifying to ensure a place in Russia.