SEATTLE — Egypt coach Hossam Hassan expressed optimism that Mohamed Salah will be fit for the World Cup knockout stage after the captain was forced off with a left knee injury during Friday’s 1-1 draw against Iran.
Salah was substituted in the 57th minute and replaced by Mostafa Zico, raising concerns over the fitness of Egypt’s star forward as the Pharaohs prepare for their round-of-32 clash against Australia next Friday.
Speaking after the match, Hassan said Salah would undergo further assessment by the team’s medical staff upon returning to the hotel but indicated the injury did not appear to be serious.
“I spoke to Salah and he told me he is going to be OK and that it is not a major injury,” Hassan said. “We still need to hear from the medical staff after the examinations, but I think he will be back.”
Egypt secured a place in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history under the tournament’s expanded format after finishing the group stage unbeaten.
Salah has been instrumental in the Pharaohs’ campaign, scoring his 68th international goal in Egypt’s historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand — the country’s first-ever World Cup win — while also providing two assists during the tournament.
Any prolonged absence would be a significant setback for Egypt as it prepares to face Australia for a place in the round of 16.
Source: Saudi Gazette