Egypt national team manager Hossam Hassan has cast doubt over the participation of captain Mohamed Salah in the side's round-of-32 clash against Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he will not risk fielding him until his full fitness is confirmed.
Speaking at a press conference in Dallas, Texas, Hassan said he was surprised when Salah felt fatigued during the Iran match, which prompted the player to request substitution. He added that the captain subsequently began an intensive treatment programme with the medical staff before gradually returning to training.
The Egypt manager said he would not take a gamble on playing Salah unless the player felt ready, noting that the decision on whether he would start had not yet been made, though he confirmed the player would be present with the squad to a significant degree.
Hassan revealed that Salah had taken part in training over the past two days, but had completed less than a full session on each occasion, adding that the captain had shown a strong desire to be alongside his teammates and was in high spirits.
Mohamed Salah joined the group training session normally, though he was visibly wearing an ice pack on his left thigh following the injury he sustained during the Iran match, which ended 1-1, and which forced him off the pitch in the 57th minute.
Egypt's team doctor indicated that scans and imaging carried out on the player confirmed he had suffered a hamstring strain as a result of the injury sustained against Iran.
Salah played a major role in Egypt securing their first-ever victory at a World Cup finals, scoring one goal and creating another in the 3-1 win over New Zealand. He is also the second-highest scorer in the national team's history with 66 goals in 117 international appearances, behind his current manager Hossam Hassan, and remains one of the Pharaohs' most prominent attacking players.
Emam Ashour, who scored Egypt's goal in the 1-1 draw with Belgium, affirmed that Salah was ready, telling reporters: "We are all ready and the captain is ready too."
Hossam Hassan praised the role Salah plays, stressing that he is one of the most important players in the squad both technically and in terms of morale, having established himself on the world stage and earned the standing he has reached.
The Egypt manager added that he is pleased with what Salah provides under him, noting that he has managed to deploy him in a different way, which has given him greater versatility on the pitch and increased his attacking threat compared to what he was producing at Liverpool.
Hassan affirmed that Egypt are seeking to bring joy to Egyptian fans, as well as supporters across the African continent and the Arab world, throughout their journey in the tournament.
The manager also revealed that midfielder Mohanad Lasheen will miss the Australia match through suspension after picking up his second yellow card against Iran, describing his absence as a loss for the team, just as the continued absences of Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdel Moneim through injury represent a setback.
Hassan said he had wished all three players could be available, but stressed that Egypt's manager must not dwell on negatives, expressing full confidence in every member of the squad and their ability to cover for the absentees.
Discussing the Australia match, Hassan explained that any team must address its opponent's strengths and weaknesses, noting that African national team players had grown accustomed to facing sides with strong physical capabilities — such as New Zealand, Iran and Belgium — which had helped his team cope in those contests.
He added that dealing with long balls and aerial play does not rely on physical strength alone, but also requires balance on the pitch and good organisation to handle that style of play.
Hassan concluded his remarks by stressing that he is not thinking about what may come after the round of 32, saying his focus is entirely on the match against Australia.