Salah Available but Starting Role Unclear Ahead of Egypt vs Australia
Mo Salah has shaken off a hamstring concern and is in contention to feature when Egypt take on Australia in their World Cup last-32 tie in Dallas on Friday, according to a report from The Guardian.
The Liverpool forward was seen training normally with his Egypt teammates on Thursday, and coach Hossam Hassan confirmed he was fit enough to play. However, Hassan stopped short of guaranteeing a place in the starting eleven, saying the team were “not sure whether he is going to be in the starting lineup.” Hassan did add that Salah was keen to contribute and looking forward to the match.
Salah picked up the hamstring problem during Egypt’s final group-stage game against Iran, asking to come off with around half an hour left. The injury appeared similar to one he sustained with Liverpool back in April, though his recovery has been swift.
In the group stage, Salah scored once and created two more goals, bringing his international tally to 68 — one short of the all-time Egypt record held by none other than his own manager, Hassan.
Australia coach Tony Popovic said his side have done their homework on both possibilities.