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Mohamed Salah's injury in the Champions League final has been blamed for Egypt's early World Cup exit.

But the Liverpool man received widespread praise for his efforts in his country's 3-1 defeat to Russia.

Salah scored a penalty as the Africans lost 3-1 to Russia, all-but-confirming their Group A elimination.

Having missed his country's 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in the opener through the shoulder injured sustained against Real Madrid, the 26-year-old completed 90 minutes in Saint Petersburg, converting a consolation second half spot kick.

The forward was visibly not at his best but was still Egypt's biggest threat, which led to his manager, Hector Cuper, lamenting the circumstances of the past month.

(Image: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

"When we talk about 100%, we have to look at the medical side," Cuper said. "I was told by the medical team he was fit.

"He could not prepare with us in the training sessions all the time, he had to train alone. I believe he was in good shape and optimal condition. If he did not get injured in the Champions League final then he would have had three weeks' extra training with us as a group.

"Salah is crucial, a vital player for the squad. He is a point of reference. He suffered an injury and we have been worried. We knew if he recovered in time it would be a good thing. The only thing I can be sad for is I would have liked to have seen him present at the training ground with the team."

"It's hard to say what would have happened if he was on top form but I always say that behind one or two brilliant players there has to be a team."

Speaking on the BBC after the game, Alan Shearer had high praise for the courage of Salah, despite not looking his best.

"He was really struggling. His touch wasn't there, but once it's on the spot you're all thinking you just hope he puts this in the back of the net.

"That's because it doesn't deserve to end like that for the last four or five weeks with the Champions League and the injury and the way this World Cup has been for him and his team so pleased that he got his goal but it's been a tough time for him.

"For Salah, we've got to praise his character for him to even give it a go and you have to gamble and he obviously was only about 60 or 70 per cent fit but well done for giving it a go and he got his goal."