Key Takeaways:
- Hossam Hassan has yet to confirm whether Mohamed Salah will start Egypt’s World Cup last-32 clash against Australia on Friday at Dallas Stadium
- Salah resumed partial training on Wednesday after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Iran last Friday
- Salah has scored one goal at the tournament, contributing in Egypt’s 3-1 group stage victory over New Zealand
Salah’s Fitness Race Dominates Egypt’s Preparations
Egyptian manager Hossam Hassan has admitted that he remains unsure about including Mohamed Salah in his starting eleven for Friday’s high-stakes World Cup last-32 encounter with Australia at Dallas Stadium. Salah, who is 34, is still recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the team’s 1-1 draw with Iran last Friday – a result that secured Egypt’s place in the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time.
Mo Salah is fit for the clash with the Socceroos, but will he start? Even the Egyptian coach doesn't know 🤔#FIFAWorldCup #FWCAL pic.twitter.com/slbiu1Q5H2
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 3, 2026
Salah managed a partial return to training on Wednesday. According to Hassan, “Salah is a passionate player and he is very much looking forward to making his own contribution.” However, when asked whether his star forward would be risked from the outset, Hassan stated: “I’m not going to run any risk unless I’m 100% sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.”
Despite the anticipation, the Egyptian camp maintains uncertainty about Salah’s availability for the starting line-up, underlining the delicate balance between player fitness and competitive necessity. Hassan added, “We look forward to him playing tomorrow, but we’re not sure if he’s going to be in the starting lineup.”
Salah’s Tournament So Far
Salah has already found the net once at this World Cup, scoring Egypt’s second goal in their 3-1 triumph over New Zealand earlier in the group phase. His influence was diminished in the match against Iran, where he requested to be substituted with 33 minutes left due to discomfort, and his ongoing fitness battle has become the focal point of Egypt’s build-up to what is one of the most significant matches in their recent history.
Hassan expressed his admiration for Salah, saying, “He is one of the best players globally, and I’m very lucky to work with him, and I’m very happy with our work together so far.”
The coach also highlighted his tactical deployment of Salah: “I have managed to deploy him tactically and technically speaking, and he has surpassed the capabilities that people had expected of him so far.”
Egypt Braced for Australia’s Physical Approach
With Tony Popovic’s Australia renowned for their physicality, Hassan is confident Egypt can match their opponents’ style, drawing on their experiences against similar teams on the African continent. “On the African continent, we have vast experience with tall players, comparable to the Australia side we’re going to face tomorrow,” he remarked.
He noted parallels with previous opposition: “It’s the same as New Zealand, Belgium and Iran. We have dealt so far with such conditions…” Hassan emphasised his tactical readiness, observing, “Every team has its weaknesses and strengths and we’re well prepared to deal with whatever we’re going to face.”
Referring to global stars to highlight that stature is just one element of the game, Hassan commented: “(Diego) Maradona wasn’t the tallest of players, (Lionel) Messi isn’t either. It’s not about tall or short. We’re not playing rugby here, we’re playing football. Not American football, but football and we’re fit and raring to go.”
