Egypt will want its talisman Mohamed Salah on the pitch when it takes on Australia in the Round of 32 on Friday, the country’s first-ever knockout match at the FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old was subbed off in the 57th minute in Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran in the final Group G match last week. Egypt confirmed after the match that Salah had suffered a hamstring injury.
Despite injury concerns, the former Liverpool star was spotted attending Egyptian training ahead of the match against Australia.
Egyptian fans received cheerful news when head coach Hossam Hassan said Salah could make his first appearance on Friday as the team bids to reach the round of 16.
«We look forward to seeing him play tomorrow, although we are not sure if he will be in the starting line-up. (Salah) is looking forward to making his own contribution together with his teammates tomorrow.»
«We have worked hard for two years on our own style, personality and footprint on the pitch – whether defensive or attacking -. It is not just about the playing style of one player, it is a collective undertaking,» Hassan said at the pre-match press conference.
Published on July 3, 2026
