World Cup 2018: Salah looks for memorable birthday and Eid in Russia

It's Eid, it's Mohamed Salah's birthday and today, Egypt will play their first World Cup game in 28 years.

The Liverpool and Egyptian star could not have asked for a better day to return to action after THAT scare.

Salah had a real scare exactly 20 days ago when he was brought down by Sergio Ramos in the final of the Champions League. Not only did he leave the field clutching his shoulders and leaving Liverpool concerned against Real Madrid, his World Cup hopes were thrown in jeopardy.

Half a month of Ramzan went by, Salah trained, went through the grill of physiotherapy, all to get fit for the World Cup in time.

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A devout Muslim, Salah will surely be revelling in the fact that he is almost 100 percent fit as Eid festivities begin the world over.

Egypt coach Hector Cuper confirmed on Thursday that Salah was almost fully fit and that he will most likely be fielded against Uruguay.

Experts have expressed their concern over rushing Salah to the field so soon but the ever-so smiling forward will be looking forward to being on the football field again and most importantly, be a part of the World Cup for his nation.

Mohamed Salah is turning 26 as Egypt take on Uruguay on June 15 in their FIFA World Cup 2018 opener. (AP Photo)

Not only will Salah be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with a World Cup match, he is also ringing in his 26th birthday today.

Since turning 25 last year, Salah has had a sensational season where he scored 44 goals for Liverpool and guided them to the Champions League final.

This year as he turns 26, he will hope he can bring that 'club luck' to his country and do something for Egypt that has never been done before.

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Salah is treated as an idol back home. He even received a million votes during the presidential elections without even standing for him or speaking about it and he will want to give something back.

Salah said ahead of the World Cup that he does not just want to play for Egypt in the World Cup but wants to do something different -- reaching the Round of 16 will be the primary aim.

Egypt begin their World Cup 2018 journey against Luis Suarez's Uruguay on Friday, a tough task but if Salah is at his best, Egypt have more than a decent chance.

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"Mo is doing very well indeed. He's recovered very, very quickly - we've paid a lot of attention to him," Cuper told a news conference before the squad's last training session ahead of Friday's match.

"I can almost assure you 100 percent that he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute."

Cuper said that Salah will play against Uruguay if he goes through the final training session without any problems. On Thursday, as Salah was being watched by dozens of cameras, he look conscious of not overstraining himself.

Cuper shrugged off any doubts over whether Salah, who turns 26 on the day of the match, would feel sufficiently confident of his physical state to be able to perform at his best.

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"We're trying to make him feel confident - even the doctors are giving him the option to play or not, but I know Salah very well and I'm sure he's not afraid, he's not fearful," he said.

"In terms of him on the pitch - if he does decide to play he'll have full guarantees in terms of his physical condition, he's going to be fine. Certainly he doesn't feel afraid."

Egypt are back in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990 World Cup in Italy and their progress to the last 16 is hinging on Salah enjoying the form that saw him voted England's Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

Uruguay are the toughest opponents for the north African team, and they will fancy their chances of advancing from Group A, which also includes Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Cuper also entertained a question from a reporter about Salah's prospects of emerging as the top scorer at the tournament.

"Why not? He could become the top goalscorer here and one of the greatest players."

(With Reuters inputs)