By Toby TAIWO
Mohamed Salah may not start Friday’s Round of 36 clash against Australia.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said he will not risk his captain unless he is 100% fit.
Pharaohs chase a first-ever knockout-stage win.
The former Liverpool forward suffered hamstring fatigue during Egypt’s final group-stage 1-1 against Iran but returned to full training on Wednesday following intensive rehabilitation.
“Mohamed Salah felt fatigue in his hamstring against Iran,” Hassan told reporters during the pre-match press conference. “We worked intensively on his recovery alongside the medical staff, and he actually started training with the national team on Wednesday.”
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Despite the player’s eagerness, the 59-year-old tactician emphasized that he remains cautious about throwing the superstar straight into the starting lineup.
“Salah possesses immense passion and his morale is incredibly high, but I will not risk him unless he is fully capable of playing the match. Salah is available for the game, but let’s see if he will start or not,” Hassan added.
The Egypt boss also praised Salah’s global impact, reflecting on his own role in the winger’s tactical development.
“Salah is one of the most important players in the national team. He has successfully imposed himself on the global stage, and he richly deserves it. I have succeeded in deploying him effectively to unlock different capabilities, and I was honored to help tweak his style to increase his threat in front of goal.”
On the suspension of Mohanad Lasheen and the injuries to Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem, Hassan insisted the squad’s depth would carry Egypt through.
“Mohanad is a very important player, as are all the injured players like Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem. Despite their qualities, we do not dwell on the negatives. I have confidence in all the players,” he said. “The team work as a collective, and we do not depend on just one player.”
