World Cup 2018: Egypt star Salah 'rushed back' for Russia heartbreak - Cottee

Former Premier League legend Tony Cottee has heaped sympathy on Egypt star Mohamed Salah after the forward failed to rescue Egypt from a second World Cup defeat.

Egypt were beaten 3-1 by an emphatic Russian performance in St Petersburg, with Salah netting from the penalty spot to give his national a glimmer of hope.

AS IT UNFOLDED: Egypt v Uruguay

AS IT UNFOLDED: Russia v Egypt

It was his first appearance since defeat by the same scoreline in the Champions League final, with the attacker forced off injured in the opening half after a clash with Sergio Ramos.

But it was a predominantly lethargic performance from the Liverpool star, who bagged 46 goals in 55 appearances for club and country, as Egypt were all-but knocked out of the World Cup.

And Cottee, who made his name with West Ham and Everton, believes Salah was forced to play through necessity.

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He told Yahoo Sport’s daily show The 32: “I got the impression he was rushed back. It was quite a nasty injury wasn’t it, from the Champions League final?

“The hardest thing as player when you come back, and mentally, you know you are not right, not fit. You get rushed back.

SLIDESHOW: The stadiums of the Russian World Cup (Click image below)

“We have seen it in previous World Cups with David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. They are playing with injuries and It is the worst feeling ever.

“You are trying to perform, do what you are good at. But you know that you are not ready. They had to play him, without a doubt, but it wasn’t the Mo Salah that played for Liverpool, we all know that.