Egypt's football superstar Mohamed Salah is poised to return for the team's pivotal World Cup round-of-32 match against Australia, according to coach Hossam Hassan. Salah has been recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the group stage match against Iran.
Salah, who missed Egypt's final group game, participated in a portion of the team's training session on Thursday that was open to the media. Coach Hassan stated that the medical department has been managing Salah's injury, and he has gradually returned to partial team training.
"We continued the sessions with him together with our medical department," Hassan said. "He returned to partial team training since yesterday. And based on my choices, I am planning to have him in the match, whether in the starting lineup or at a later stage."
However, Hassan indicated that he would not risk Salah unless he is fully confident in his readiness, suggesting the player might be utilized as an impact substitute rather than starting the match.
This World Cup clash is significant for Egypt, marking its first-ever appearance in the knockout stage. Both Egypt and Australia are seeking their first win in this stage of the tournament. Salah, a former Liverpool talisman, is a key figure for Egypt and his potential return will be a boost for the team.
Hassan also addressed questions regarding Australia's physicality, humorously remarking, "We are not playing rugby here, we are playing football."
Salah's participation could influence tactical decisions for Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, particularly concerning defensive assignments on the wingbacks.
Salah's career statistics include 257 goals and 120 assists for Liverpool across 442 appearances, during which he won multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League. The 34-year-old attacker is currently without a club after his departure from Liverpool and is reportedly eager to play in the high-stakes match, even if it means risking further injury.