Overview
- Scans released by the Egyptian Football Association on June 27 confirmed Mohamed Salah has a hamstring strain and he has started a treatment programme.
- Coach Hossam Hassan has expressed public optimism that Salah will recover in time but the EFA gave no firm indication of his fitness for the July 3 round-of-32 match in Dallas.
- Left-back Ahmed Fatouh suffered a hamstring tear and is unlikely to be fit for the Australia tie, while centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem has a severe ankle bruise and is being readied for selection.
- Egypt’s quick turnaround to the knockout round increases pressure on medical staff and coaches to make rapid assessments and tactical contingency plans for a team that used only 17 players in group play.
- This is Egypt’s first progression to the World Cup knockouts and Salah’s recent hamstring history raises both tactical concerns for the team and strong public attention on his recovery.