Egypt's forward Mohamed Salah (Photo: AFP)
Russian forward Alexei Miranchuk admitted that Egypt were two different teams with and without talisman Mohamed Salah, who scored 44 goals in an extraordinary first season with Liverpool.
"Egypt's game with Salah is different from the one they play without him," the reserve striker said.
"He is a good player who determines his team's game. We will see what he is capable of showing against us."
Salah missed Egypt's 1-0 defeat by Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Friday as coach Hector Cuper opted not to rush him back into action after he recovered from a shoulder injury that he picked up in Liverpool's defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final last month.
However, he is likely to start Egypt's vital clash against Russia on Tuesday, with his agent saying on Twitter that the 25-year-old was fit to play.
Salah's presence would be crucial to Egypt's chances of beating Russia to keep alive their hopes of advancing to the knockout round on their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Egypt looked defensively solid against Uruguay but toothless upfront, failing to make the most of their repeated counter attacks.
The Pharaohs have no option but to overcome Russia after the hosts hammered Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opener last Thursday.
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