Salah's hamstring not a problem, says Egypt boss
Mohamed Salah has assured Egypt boss Hossam Hassan he will be OK despite being substituted during the 1-1 draw with Iran with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
The Pharaohs will face Australia in the Round of 32 after advancing from the FIFA World Cup group stages for the first time, finishing second behind Belgium in Group G.
The match against the Socceroos comes on 4 July (AEST) in Dallas, meaning Salah is now in a race against time to be fit for the knockout contest.
Having left the field, Salah was spotted with ice strapped to his left hamstring, and while Egypt is still waiting to learn the full extent of the problem, coach Hassan is optimistic.
"Salah asked to be replaced, but we still don’t know the diagnosis," he said.
"Since he felt something, it means there is something. He will undergo scans, and we hope for the best.
"I talked to Salah, and he said he’s going to be okay, and it’s not a big injury. We still have time to talk to the medical staff. I think he will be back.
"I congratulate all Egyptian people. We dominated possession throughout the game. We qualified for the next round for the first time, and we missed the top of the group only on goal difference."
Australia has already lost two of its players ahead of the match with the news both Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano will play no further part in the tournament.
