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Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny has ankle ligament damage but Egypt hopeful for World Cup

Mohamed Elneny during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England.
Image: Mohamed Elneny gave Egypt supporters a pre-World Cup scare on Sunday

Egypt are hopeful Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny will be available for the World Cup despite him sustaining ankle ligament damage.

Elneny had to be stretchered off during the 4-1 win over West Ham with what initially looked to be a serious ankle injury.

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The severity of the problem was initially played down by Arsenal's medical staff, who said Elneny had only rolled his ankle, provoking relief from Egypt fans on social media worried about one of their team's stars.

Arsenal issued a statement about Elneny's status not long after Egypt assistant coach Mahmoud Fayez had posted a positive bulletin about the 25-year-old on Twitter

Fayez wrote: "Praise be to God, injury is reassuring and will be lost [for] three weeks. God willing he will be in the World Cup."

Arsenal then confirmed in a statement: "Further to assessments and scans on Sunday and Monday, we can confirm that Mo Elneny has sustained ligament damage to his left ankle.

Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny (centre) receives treatments for an injury during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday April 22, 2018. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: Mark Kerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Image: Elneny's loss would be a massive one for Egypt if he is unable to make the World Cup

"We are hoping that Mo will available for Arsenal again this season and we are keeping in regular contact with the Egyptian Football Association."

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Elneny has been a mainstay in Egypt's midfield since his international debut in 2011, making 57 appearances since then and scoring five goals.

Egypt face hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group A with their opening game coming on June 15 against Uruguay.

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