Image Credits: Imago Images
Egypt have been handed a massive injury boost ahead of Friday’s FIFA World Cup last-32 clash with Australia. The Pharaohs remain hopeful that the hamstring strain Mohamed Salah sustained against Iran will not rule him out of the tie.
Salah was forced off in the 57th minute of the 1-1 draw with Iran, a result that secured Egypt’s place in the knockout stages for the first time after an unbeaten Group G campaign against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.
Scans confirmed the 34-year-old suffered a minor hamstring strain. Salah did not train with his teammates on Monday, but he returned to individual training on Tuesday and is undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme.
Head coach Hossam Hassan has also played down concerns over his availability. “I spoke with Salah and, God willing, the injury doesn’t seem serious,” Hassan said after the Iran match. “He assured me it would be fine, that it’s not a serious injury.”
Salah has been one of Egypt’s standout performers at the tournament, scoring against New Zealand and providing two assists.
Should he be unavailable, Omar Marmoush is expected to take on a bigger attacking role. The Manchester City forward came off the bench against Iran after being left out of the starting XI and is eager to regain his place against the Socceroos.
The 27-year-old has yet to make his mark at the tournament, making Friday’s knockout tie an ideal opportunity to do so.
Salah has been a key figure for Egypt across 119 appearances, including at the 2018 World Cup, but his international career has often fallen just short of major success.
The former Liverpool talisman has never won the Africa Cup of Nations, having made his debut after Egypt’s last triumph in 2010. This World Cup campaign, likely his last, carries added significance.
Salah scored and provided the assist for Trezeguet’s winner in the victory over New Zealand. He also set up Emam Ashour’s opener in a 1-1 draw with Belgium, underlining his influence throughout the tournament.
The road back begins… and the King is coming back stronger 👑🇪🇬#egyptnt#FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/560G4puGq0
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) July 1, 2026