Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said he remains uncertain whether Mohamed Salah will start Friday’s World Cup Round of 32 match against Australia in Dallas as the forward continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Salah returned to partial training on Wednesday after he suffered the injury during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran last week. Egypt reached the knockout rounds for the first time after that result secured the point they needed.
Hassan said he would not rush a decision over his captain despite Salah’s desire to return.
“Salah is a passionate player and he is very much looking forward to making his own contribution.”
“I’m not going to run any risk unless I’m 100 percent sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.”
“We look forward to him playing tomorrow, but we’re not sure if he’s going to be in the starting lineup.”
Salah has scored once at the tournament, finding the net in Egypt’s 3-1 group-stage win over New Zealand. He left the pitch with 33 minutes remaining against Iran and his fitness has dominated Egypt’s preparations for one of the biggest matches in the country’s World Cup history.
Hassan praised the Liverpool forward’s influence and his work since taking charge of the national side.
“He is one of the best players globally and I’m very lucky to work with him and I’m very happy with our work together so far.”
“I have managed to deploy him tactically and technically speaking and he has surpassed the capabilities that people had expected of him so far.”
Australia’s physical approach also sits high on Egypt’s preparation list, but Hassan dismissed concerns over height and strength differences.
“On the African continent we have vast experience with tall players, comparable to the Australia side we’re going to face tomorrow.”
“(Diego) Maradona wasn’t the tallest of players, (Lionel) Messi isn’t either. It’s not about tall or short. We’re not playing rugby here, we’re playing football.”
