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West Brom's Egyptian pair touch down in Russia for World Cup

Albion's Egyptian centre-back pairing have touched down in Russia ahead of the World Cup.

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Ahmed Hegazi, right, shared this photo on Instagram of him with Ali Gabr, back, Mo Salah, middle, and Trezeguet, left.

Ahmed Hegazi and Ali Gabr, pictured above with 44-goal sensation Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Hassan, who is known as Trezeguet, are in Hector Cuper’s squad for the upcoming tournament.

Hegazi and Gabr are expected to play alongside each other in Egypt’s opening game against Uruguay on Friday at 1pm, UK time.

The Pharoahs have a strong chance of getting out of a weak Group A that features the two lowest ranked nations in the tournament, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

However, a lot will be resting on the injured shoulder of Salah, who is still recovering from his collision with Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final.

Salah didn’t train on Sunday following the Egyptian team’s arrival in Grozny.

He is unlikely to play against Uruguay but should return for the other two group games.

Albion’s coaching staff will be watching Egypt closely this summer.

Hegazi is a Baggies player after turning his loan deal permanent for £4.5m in December and the club have an option to buy Gabr for £1.1m before the end of June following his loan move from Zamalek.

It is Egypt’s first World Cup finals in 28 years.

Fellow Baggie Nacer Chadli is also heading to Russia this week with Belgium after being named in Roberto Martinez’s squad.