SAINT PETERSBURG: Mohamed Salah is a looming obstacle as Russia attempt to virtually secure their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.

Fears that poor performances from the home side could dampen enthusiasm in the host nation were blown away by a 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in the opening game.

Russia top Group ‘A’ on goal difference ahead of favourites Uruguay, who needed a last-gasp goal to scrape past a dogged Egypt 1-0 in their first game of the tournament.

Egypt, coached by Argentine Hector Cuper, are still targeting a second-placed finish in the group, but must beat Russia to have any hope of achieving that goal.

Cuper’s team showed against Uruguay they will not defend as generously as the hapless Saudis, and Salah, who should make his first start, will relish the chance to torment Russia’s aging defence.

The seven-time African champions will pose a much tougher task, but a lot will depend upon Salah’s fitness.

Liverpool star Salah has not featured since leaving the field in tears early in the Champions League final just over three weeks ago after landing heavily on his left shoulder and had to watch from the bench in their opening game.

Salah has been declared 100 percent fit by Egypt’s team doctor and his agent, leaving little doubt he will be thrown back into action in the Pharaohs’ hour of need.

“Salah participated in training with his teammates for the entire session and he is ready to play against Russia according to technical staff,” Egypt’s team manager Ihab Leheta told FIFA.com.

“Russia’s game is fateful and difficult because of our defeat against Uruguay,” said Leheta. “Winning is our only choice”.

While Egypt are strengthened immeasurably by Salah’s return, Russia will be weakened by the absence of creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who was injured during their opening match.

Dzagoev was replaced by Denis Cheryshev, who earned himself instant cult status with a well-taken brace.

Egypt are set up to play on the counter-attack, with Cuper asking his midfielders and defenders to stick close together in two rigid banks of four and restrict the spaces that opponents seek to exploit.

The game plan is simple — get the ball into Salah’s feet quickly and let him do what he does best.

However, the hosts are confident they have a tactical plan capable of keeping the Egypt striker, their coach Stanislav Cherchesov said on Monday.

“We’re preparing ourselves, we’re training according to a plan. We have done everything we planned to do,” Cherchesov told a news conference. “We are studying Egypt and we should be able to exploit their weaknesses.”

“Every team has players that you need to pay special attention to. Egypt is a balanced team and, of course, Mo Salah is the strongest one in the team, we understand this,” Cherchesov added.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2018