Egypt coach Hossam Hassan remains unsure whether striker Mohamed Salah will start Friday’s World Cup last-32 match against Australia at Dallas Stadium as the 34-year-old continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Salah returned to partial training on Wednesday after bearing the pressure in last Friday’s 1-1 draw against Iran as the Egyptians took the point they needed to progress to the knockout rounds for the first time.
“Salah is a passionate player and he is very much looking forward to making his own contribution,” said Hassan.
«I’m not going to take any chances unless I’m 100 percent sure he’s fit and ready to go tomorrow.»
«We’re looking forward to seeing him play tomorrow, but we’re not sure if he’ll be in the starting line-up.»
Salah has scored once in the tournament so far, netting his side’s second goal as the Egyptians fought back to hand New Zealand a 3-1 defeat in the group stage.
He called for a substitution with 33 minutes remaining against the Iranians and his struggle to stay fit has overshadowed his team’s preparations for one of the biggest games in their history.
“He is one of the best players in the world and I am fortunate to work with him and I am very happy with our work so far,” said Hassan.
“I was able to use him tactically and technically and he has exceeded the capabilities that people expected of him so far.”
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Tony Popovic’s Australian side are expected to present the Egyptians with a physical challenge, but Hassan is confident his team will be well prepared to meet that test. “On the African continent we have a huge experience with big players, similar to the Australian side we will face tomorrow,” he said.
«It’s the same as New Zealand, Belgium and Iran. We have faced such conditions so far…
“Every team has its weaknesses and strengths and we are well prepared for whatever we encounter.
«(Diego) Maradona wasn’t the tallest player, neither was (Lionel) Messi. It’s not about tall or short. We don’t play rugby here, we play football. Not American football, but football and we are fit and ready to go.»
Published on July 3, 2026
