Egypt forward Mohamed Salah says he is only focused on helping Basel win against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League third qualifying round. Following days of speculation about his readiness to fly to Israel, the 21-year-old made the trip and is strongly poised to start for the Swiss champions on Tuesday. "I have always said that I'm here to play football," Salah was quoted as saying by Basel's website. "I'm here because my team has a goal, which is to reach the group stage of the Champions League. I have never spoken to the media about politics." Salah is set to join captain Marco Streller in Murat Yakin's frontline, with Raul Bobadilla ruled out by the Basel coach. Egypt's Mohamed Elneny is also likely to retain his place in midfield.