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Edinson Cavani has revealed why he asked Mo Salah to swap shirts after Uruguay's World Cup win over Egypt - despite the Liverpool star not even playing in the encounter.

Reds ace Salah, who scored 44 times for the Merseysiders last season, could only look on and watch as Jose Gimenez's 89th-minute winner handed la Celeste victory in Ekaterinburg.

Salah wasn't risked by Pharoah's coach Hector Cuper as he recovers from the shoulder injury suffered in the Champions League final.

But that didn't stop PSG hitman Cavani seeking him out at the final whistle to swap shirts.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

"I took Salah's shirt as a gift for my children, who also see him as a star," Salah told reporters after Friday's game.

Uruguay claimed a win through the late intervention of Atletico Madrid defender Gimenez, having dominated against a toothless Egypt side that badly missed its talisman.

“A draw would have left a bitter taste because Uruguay deserved to win," added Cavani. "We created a lot of chances, maybe without playing so well, but the Egypt goalkeeper [had a great game] and in a moment we all fell into the feeling that the ball did not want to enter [the net].

“We won and that is what matters. We are happy although we know that we have things to improve. Now we have to rest and think on Wednesday.”

Salah is hoping to be fit for Egypt's must-win clash with Russia on Tuesday evening.

Cavani will be going for goals in his next match, when Uruguay face Saudi Arabia, thrashed 5-0 by Russia in the tournament's opening game.