However, Salah did some light running in Grozny on Monday, monitored by medical staff, as the other Egypt players took part in a group warm-up.

However, Salah expressed reassurance and high hopes on Sunday, "I'm excited".

"He is gradually getting better".

While Salah has talked up his hopes of starting against Uruguay in Yekaterinburg, Ehab Lehita, the Egyptian FA's managing director, said: "We're keeping an eye on the situation day by day".

Salah teased the camera with a suggestive wink as speculation mounts regarding whether he will be fit enough in time for Egypt's crunch opening game against Uruguay on Friday.

Since, Salah has been working hard to alleviate the ligament damage sustained and get back to full fitness ahead of the tournament.

"The treatment program is going well and the player's stance will be determined shortly before the Uruguay match".

Team doctor Mohamed Abou al-Ela admitted Salah was unlikely to play in Egypt's opening Group A match. He may yet be fit to face Russian Federation on June 19 in Saint Petersburg, though, and then Saudi Arabia on June 25 in Volgograd according to AFP.

Egypt also face Saudi Arabia and hosts Russian Federation in Group A.

Egyptians hoping to watch the World Cup for free have been offered a chink of light after the country's competition authority said it was obliging Federation Internationale de Football Association to let state TV show games. The Pharaohs had a tough run in the preparatory World Cup matches, tying with Kuwait and Colombia and losing to Greece, Belgium and Portugal.