Egypt's Salah gets hamstring strain before knockout

Egypt's historic World Cup campaign has been clouded by uncertainty over the fitness of captain Mohamed Salah, who suffered an injury during the team's final group stage match. The Pharaohs secured their first-ever advancement to the knockout rounds with a 1-1 draw against Iran on Friday, June 26, but the star forward's early exit cast a shadow over the achievement.

Salah was substituted in the 57th minute after feeling discomfort. Team doctor Dr. Mohamed Aboul Ela later stated that scans revealed a hamstring strain, raising doubts about his availability for the Round of 32 match against Australia scheduled for Friday, July 3, in Arlington, Texas. The Egyptian Football Association also confirmed that defender Ahmed Fatouh suffered a hamstring tear, while Mohamed Abdelmonem sustained a severe ankle contusion.

Head coach Hossam Hassan, however, has expressed optimism. He relayed that Salah personally assured him the injury was not serious. Hassan stated that the player asked to be substituted as a precaution and that medical assessments were ongoing. The coach emphasized his confidence in the squad's depth regardless of availability issues.

The draw against Iran, secured by a goal...