File Photo: Egypt's national football team's head coach Hector Cuper speaks during a news conference (Photo: Reuters)
Egypt's national team coach, Argentinean Hector Cuper, said that the Pharaohs are ready for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, confirming he is satisfied with the team's preparations.
"After Salah's injury I am still optimistic ahead of the 2018 World Cup finals," Cuper said during an interview with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) official website.
The team faces a serious challenge after star winger Salah picked up a shoulder injury in Saturday's UEFA Champions league final that will sideline him for at least three weeks.
"Injuries are an ordinary thing in football, but we are bidding on the players' ability of passing such difficult moments," Cuper said.
Egypt will kick-off their World Cup campaign 15 June against Uruguay, and then face hosts Russia on 19 June. Their final group stage match will be against Saudi Arabia on 25 June.
In March, Egypt lost to Portugal and Greece in two friendly matches held during their first training camp in Switzerland.
On Friday Egypt managed a 1-1 draw against hosts Kuwait, in the first friendly game of the team's final preparatory camp.
"We got our target from the friendlies we played during preparations for the World Cup," he added.
"The most important thing for me during trainings is to finish the session without injuries," Cuper said.
"I still have things to achieve ahead of the 2018 World Cup and I am doing my best to make a balance between the front lines and the defence," the coach said.
Seven-time African champions Egypt this year reached the World Cup for the first time since 1990. They will play in Group A, alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia.
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