A 2018 FIFA World Cup finalist has jokingly claimed that Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah is jealous of his spot at this year's grand showpiece in Qatar.
The Liverpool forward is among a host of big-name players whose national teams failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Egypt failed to book a place in the competition after losing out to reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal in a play-off in March.
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It was a huge blow for Salah as this came on the back of losing the 2021 AFCON final to the same west African opponents in February.
Despite his glittering club and individual success over the past few years, Salah has only featured in one World Cup so far in his career, with the 2018 edition in Russia being his debut appearance.
The Pharaohs were dumped out of that event at the group stage after they finished bottom of their group with three defeats in as many matches.
Their No. 10, meanwhile, managed to score twice in two matches at the showpiece, although he missed the team's opening clash due to injury.
With the Reds marksman now watching the 2022 World Cup from home, Dejan Lovren, his former teammate at Anfield who is in Qatar with Croatia, has joked that Salah wishes he were in his shoes, according to Kingfut.
"100%. I would also be jealous. What's he been saying? That he will support me," Lovren said when asked if Salah would be jealous of his place at the World Cup.
"I mean, it's nice to hear that, but to be honest I'm sad that he didn't qualify.
"He was so close, but [Senegal's Sadio] Mane was better.
"He has said he will come… with a Croatia flag!"
The 72-capped Croatian spent six years with the Merseyside club, and three seasons playing alongside his good friend Salah before joining Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg in 2020.
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Croatia were arguably the standout side at the 2018 World Cup, marching all the way to the final before losing out to eventual winners France. Their captain and star player Luka Modric was voted the Player of the Tournament, and went on to win the Ballon d'Or later that year.
Croatia will kick off their 2022 World Cup campaign against Morocco on Wednesday afternoon.
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