Harry Redknapp: Salah will cause problems for Russia in Group A

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Dec 05, 2017. 14:00

Ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp reckons that Egypt will not only rely on Mohamed Salah when they return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1990.

Redknapp says there are many players who can lead the Pharaohs' cause in Russia next year, such as Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny, West Brom's Ahmed Hegazi and others.

The former Portsmouth manager also discussed Russia’s chances in the upcoming global tournament after they were drawn in Group A alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

However, the 70-year-old manager said the Reds international is excellent and can help the English Premier League side in the UEFA Champions League against Spartak Moscow.

“Russia can qualify from the first group, but it will not be easy because Egypt is a very strong competitor, not just because of Salah,” Redknapp told Sport Express.

“They also have Mohamed Elneny at Arsenal, and central defender Ahmed Hegazi at West Brom and others.”

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Moscow on Wednesday, Redkanpp added that the Reds have excellent attack and will pose a threat against Spartak.

“The Reds have excellent forwards. Salah and (Sadio) Mane are very exciting players. Liverpool can score three or four against them. This will be a bad week for Russia,” adds the manager.

“It is impossible to stop Salah. He’s a fantastic player who develops in every game. They should try to defend solidly, and this is still unlikely to help.”