Image Credits: Imago Images
Egypt are sweating on the fitness of former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ahead of Friday’s World Cup round of 32 clash with Australia.
Salah, who left Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 season after a glittering spell on Merseyside, limped off during the second half of Egypt’s final group game against Iran. The 34-year-old was later seen on the bench with an ice pack on his thigh.
It has since been confirmed that Salah suffered a hamstring strain, although the severity remains unclear. He has taken part in training with Egypt and was pictured back on the pitch on Wednesday, with the team posting an image alongside the caption: “The king is back.”
Despite the setback, there is growing optimism within the Egypt camp that Salah could be available after undergoing individual recovery work and rehabilitation.
However, head coach Hossam Hassan has delivered a cautious update ahead of the match, suggesting his participation is still uncertain.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Hassan said: “I refuse to risk Mohamed Salah against Australia unless his recovery is complete. Mohamed Salah is one of the best players in the world. If he’s not at 100% tomorrow, he won’t play.”
Mohamed Salah has scored once and provided two assists for Egypt at the World Cup. Following the game against Iran, head coach Hassan downplayed concerns over the forward’s hamstring issue, describing it as “not a big injury.”
“I talked to Salah and he said he’s going to be OK and it’s not a big injury,” Hassan said. “We still have time to talk to the medical staff. I think he will be back, and when I spoke to Salah he assured me he’s going to be OK.”
If Salah is ruled out against Australia, Egypt’s attacking responsibility is likely to fall on Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush.
Salah will be hoping for a smoother path in the knockout stages than former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, who watched from the sidelines as Senegal squandered a 2-0 lead against Belgium before suffering a 3-2 extra-time defeat.