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Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has admitted Mohamed Salah remains a doubt for Friday’s World Cup clash with Australia, saying he won’t risk his captain unless fully fit.
Mo Salah’s injury status remains a mystery (X/Getty Images)
Will Mohamed Salah start for Egypt against Australia? Head coach Hossam Hassan isn’t ready to make that call just yet.
The Egypt boss admitted on Thursday that the Pharaohs captain remains a major doubt for Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Australia in Texas, insisting he will not gamble on his star forward’s fitness after a recent hamstring problem.
Salah returned to training with the rest of the squad in Dallas, although he took part in only a lighter session open to the media as Egypt continued preparations for its biggest World Cup match yet.
The 34-year-old suffered the injury during Egypt’s final group-stage encounter against Iran, limping off in the 57th minute of the 1-1 draw before being seen with an ice pack strapped to his left thigh.
While his return to training has boosted hopes of a comeback, Hassan made it clear that Egypt will only field their talisman if he is completely fit.
“We tried to introduce him to partial training yesterday only,” Hassan told reporters on Thursday.
“He is very much looking forward to making his own contribution tomorrow.
“On the other hand, I am not going to run any risk unless I am 100 percent sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.
“Not so sure if he will be in the starting line-up.”
Egypt head into the knockout clash riding a wave of confidence after scripting history in the group stage. The Pharaohs secured the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1 before advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time.
Standing in their way are an Australia side known for their physicality and aerial threat, something Hassan admitted his players have spent considerable time preparing for.
“We are well prepared to deal with everything we will face,” he said.
“We have been working hard for more than two years now with our style and personality.
“It is more than one player, it is a collective, and we aim to showcase this tomorrow.
“We aim to bring joy to our people, to Africa and to the Arab world.”
History will be on the line in Texas, with neither Egypt nor Australia having ever won a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
(with AFP inputs)
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After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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