Egypt Fc will have Mohamed Salah available in some capacity for Friday’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Australia after he managed a hamstring strain. The captain’s return comes one day before a knockout game that Egypt entered after finishing second in Group G.
Hossam Hassan said Salah is “very much looking forward to making a contribution tomorrow.” He added, “I am not so sure he is going to start,” and said, “I am planning to have him in the match, whether within the starting lineup or in a later stage.”
Mohamed Salah and the hamstring strain
Salah was substituted in the 57th minute of Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran in the Group G finale on June 26. Scans then showed a hamstring strain, and the Egyptian federation said he began treatment immediately. This week, he went through physiotherapy and a medical evaluation before rejoining the team for a partial practice on Wednesday.
That sequence leaves Egypt with a usable, but not fully settled, attacking option. Salah has one goal and two assists through three group-stage matches, numbers that show why his minutes against Australia matter even if he does not start.
Hossam Hassan keeps the door open
Hassan also called Salah one of the best players he has in technical play and collaboration with teammates. He said, “However, I am not going to run any risks unless I am 100 percent sure he is raring and ready to go.”
Egypt will miss left-back Ahmed Fattouh, who tore his hamstring against Iran and is ruled out, while Mohamed Abdelmonem suffered an ankle injury against Iran and is being prepared to play. Hassan said he picked 26 players and trusts them all fully, which gives Egypt choices even with one starter back and another defender unavailable.
AT&T Stadium in Arlington
Kickoff is set for noon Friday in Arlington, Texas, at AT&T Stadium. Egypt reached the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history, while Australia arrived there after finishing second in Group D for a second straight World Cup. The only question left for Egypt is whether Salah begins or enters later.
