World Cup 2018: Russia vs Egypt: Team news, updates, possible lineups

Host nation Russia got their World Cup campaign off to a blistering start with a 5-0 over Saudi Arabia in the opening fixture of the tournament, and are well-placed to progress past the group stages ahead of their fixture against Egypt on Tuesday, June 19 at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg.

A win over the Pharaohs will confirm Russia’s place in the last 16, while Egypt must avoid a loss at all costs if they want to make it past the group stages.

All focus will be on Mohamed Salah’s fitness and availability after the forward missed the opening fixture due to the fact that he is still recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained during the Champions League final.

Egypt manager, Hector Cuper was expected to start the striker after stating he was 100 per cent fit – or at the very least sub him on – but the Liverpool star took no part in his side’s late 1-0 loss to Uruguay.

A crucial Group A win against Russia will be a huge chance for the Pharaohs to make it to the last 16.

Here are basic things you need to know ahead of Tonight’s fixture.

Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev was forced off the pitch against Saudi Arabia and has not travelled to face Egypt.

Meanwhile, Cheryshev who replaced Dzagoev, is in contention to start for the home team after scoring twice.

Artem Dzyuba scored a goal after coming off the bench and is also in good stead to start.

Potential Russia XI: Akinfeev; Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov; Gazinskiy, Zobnin; Kuzyaev, Cheryshev, Golovin; Dzyuba

Salah is expected to play a part in the fixture against Russia after missing out on the opening fixture against Uruguay.

Potential Egypt XI: El-Shenawy; Fathi, Gabr, Hegazi, Abdel-Shafy; Elneny, Hamed; Salah, El-Said, Trezeguet; Mohsen

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