Mohamed Salah's Fitness in Doubt for Egypt vs Australia World Cup Clash

Mohamed Salah's participation in Egypt's World Cup 2026 round-of-32 match against Australia is uncertain due to a hamstring strain sustained in the 1-1 draw with Iran. While the Liverpool star is fit enough to be involved, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has not confirmed whether he will start.

Salah's Injury Battle

Salah, Egypt's captain and talisman, suffered a hamstring strain during the second half against Iran and requested to be substituted. He underwent an intensive rehabilitation program and has returned to partial team training. However, Hassan is cautious about risking him.

"Against Iran, we learned that he suffered a hamstring strain during the second half of the match and asked to be substituted," Hassan said. "Our very distinguished medical department took care of that, and we tried to introduce him to partial team training as of yesterday only. But Salah is a passionate player; he is very much looking forward to making his own contributions with his teammates tomorrow. But of course, I am not going to run any risk unless I am sure that he is 100 per cent sure of the fact that he is fit and raring to go tomorrow. We look forward to him playing tomorrow, not sure though whether he is going to be in the starting lineup."

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Other Egypt Injuries and Suspensions

Hamdy Fathy (groin), Hossam Abdelmaguid (head), and Mohamed Abdelmonem (ankle) are also being monitored, while Ahmed Fatouh is ruled out with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament against Iran, forcing at least one change to the starting lineup.

Australia Team News

Australia will be without Jacob Italiano (groin) and Mathew Leckie (hamstring). Coach Tony Popovic is expected to keep faith with the side that drew with Paraguay, with centre-back Lucas Herrington retaining his place. Watford's Nestory Irankunda, who has scored six goals in 18 international appearances including one at this World Cup, leads the attack.