Elneny suffers ankle injury with Arsenal to spark World Cup fear

Russell Greaves

Elneny suffers ankle injury with Arsenal to spark World Cup fear image

Mohamed Elneny's World Cup hopes suffered a potential blow on Sunday as the Egypt star was forced off injured in Arsenal's Premier League clash with West Ham.

The midfielder appeared to sustain an ankle injury in a challenge with Mark Noble and, after prolonged treatment on the field, he was taken off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace.

Elneny – who has 57 caps for his country – looked in significant discomfort as he was replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles at Emirates Stadium.

Of immediate concern for the 25-year-old will be Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg with Atletico Madrid, but his ambitions to feature in Russia may also take a hit.

Elneny, who signed a new long-term contract in March, was only cleared to play after having his red card against Southampton overturned.

Hector Cuper's men are in Group A alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and the tournament hosts.

Russell Greaves