Egypt's team doctor has revealed the diagnosis of Mohamed Salah's injury, the team's star and captain, indicating his status ahead of the Round of 32 match against Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Mohamed Abu Al-Ala, the Egyptian national team doctor, explained that scans performed on captain Mohamed Salah confirmed he is suffering from a hamstring strain, after he felt pain during the match against Iran and was subsequently substituted. The player has begun his rehabilitation programme.
Abu Al-Ala added, in an official statement published by the Egyptian Football Association: "As for player Ahmed Fattouh, he suffered a hamstring tear and will not be fit for the match against Australia, while Mohamed Abdel Monem sustained a severe contusion to his ankle and is being prepared for the same match."
All three players were injured during Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran in the early hours of Saturday, which concluded Group 7's fixtures.
The Pharaohs qualified for the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, finishing second in the group on 5 points, following a 1-1 draw with Belgium, a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, and a 1-1 draw with Iran.
Egypt and Australia will meet in Dallas at 9 p.m. next Friday (Mecca time).
Mohamed Salah became Egypt's all-time top scorer at the World Cup after netting his third goal in the tournament against New Zealand, bringing his tally to 3 goals, following his 2 goals against Russia and Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup.