The Malta Independent 19 April 2024, Friday
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Tearful Salah's Champions League final ends with injury

Saturday, 26 May 2018, 22:38 Last update: about 7 years ago

Liverpool star forward Mohamed Salah's Champions League final ended in tears with a shoulder injury. Could his World Cup dream be under threat too?

The Egyptian, who had been expected to play a major role in Saturday's final, was in obvious pain and covered his face with his hands before pointing to his left shoulder.

Salah was hurt when he tangled with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and was treated, but he collapsed to the ground again four minutes later and left the game after 30 minutes.

Veteran defender Ramos had grabbed Salah chasing the ball and held on to his right arm. In their twisting fall, the Egypt forward landed heavily on his left shoulder. Ramos was not shown a yellow card.

The final had been hyped as a duel between Salah and Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, who patted the Egyptian on the head as he walked off the field.

Salah scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season, but the closest he went in the final was a blocked shot before his early exit. He also had a corner which Virgil van Dijk headed wide.

Salah was replaced by Adam Lallana, who had only recently returned from a hamstring injury.

The Egyptian national team, preparing for its first World Cup since 1990, posted a picture of Salah on Twitter with the message: "Get well soon."

Egypt will face Uruguay in their opening Group A game on June 15 before facing host nation Russia and Saudi Arabia.

They also have pre-tournament friendlies against Colombia on June 1 and Belgium five days later.

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