Mohamed Salah could still play a role for Egypt at the World Cup after the Egyptian Football Association announced Wednesday that the injured liverpool striker would be out for "not more" than three weeks.
"The football federation reiterates that Salah will be at the World Cup, God willing, and will be out for no longer than three weeks," the federation said after its president Hani Abu Reda and the team doctor met with Salah in Spain, where he is undergoing treatment.
Egypt's opening fixture in Group A is against Uruguay on June 15. They then face Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.
Earlier, in a body blow for Egypt and their star striker, liverpool's physio had stated that the player will face three to four weeks out with the shoulder injury suffered in the UEFA Champions league final.
"He (Salah) is sad about what happened but is totally focused on recovery, seeing when he can be ready," physio Ruben Pons told Marca.
"In principle it will be between three and four weeks, but we will try to reduce those dates — that's the big goal."
Salah was hacked down by Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in the first half of the Champions league final in Kiev.