DALLAS — Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said he will not risk Mohamed Salah unless the forward is fully fit for Friday’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Australia, leaving the Liverpool star’s place in the starting lineup uncertain.
Salah resumed partial training on Wednesday after suffering a hamstring strain during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran last week, a result that secured the point needed for the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
“Salah is a passionate player and he is very much looking forward to making his own contribution,” Hassan told reporters. “I’m not going to run any risk unless I’m 100 percent sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.”
“We look forward to him playing tomorrow, but we’re not sure if he’s going to be in the starting lineup,” he added.
The 34-year-old has scored once at this year’s tournament, finding the net in Egypt’s 3-1 group-stage victory over New Zealand before being forced off with 33 minutes remaining against Iran. His fitness has dominated Egypt’s preparations for one of the most significant matches in the country’s World Cup history.
Hassan praised Salah’s influence on the team and said working with one of the world’s elite players had been a privilege.
“He is one of the best players globally and I’m very lucky to work with him and I’m very happy with our work together so far,” Hassan said. “I have managed to deploy him tactically and technically speaking and he has surpassed the capabilities that people had expected of him so far.”
Australia advanced from a difficult group and are expected to challenge Egypt with their physical style, but Hassan believes his players are well equipped to cope.
“On the African continent we have vast experience with tall players, comparable to the Australia side we’re going to face tomorrow,” he said. “It’s the same as New Zealand, Belgium and Iran. We have dealt so far with such conditions.”
The coach dismissed suggestions that Australia’s physical advantage would be decisive, insisting football remains a game of skill rather than stature.
“Every team has its weaknesses and strengths and we’re well prepared to deal with whatever we’re going to face,” Hassan said.
“(Diego) Maradona wasn’t the tallest of players, (Lionel) Messi isn’t either. It’s not about tall or short. We’re not playing rugby here, we’re playing football. Not American football, but football and we’re fit and raring to go.”
