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Egypt remain optimistic the hamstring strain Mohamed Salah picked up against Iran will not prevent him from facing Australia in Friday’s last-32 tie at the Fifa World Cup.<\/b><\/p>\n
Salah suffered the injury in the group game that secured passage to the knockout stage for the Pharaohs, who are making their fourth appearance at a World Cup.<\/p>\n
The North Africans reached the knockout phase for the first time after going unbeaten against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran to finish second in Group G.<\/p>\n
However, celebrations following the 1-1 draw against Iran<\/a> in Seattle were tempered when Salah was forced off in the 57th minute.<\/p>\n Scans confirmed the 34-year-old sustained a hamstring strain,<\/a> but there is growing optimism within the Egyptian camp that the captain could feature against the Socceroos in Dallas (18:00 GMT), having returned to training on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The forward is undertaking an intensive rehabilitation programme and individual recovery sessions, with head coach Hossam Hassan downplaying concerns.<\/p>\n Salah has so far been key for the Pharaohs in front of goal, scoring in the 3-1 win over New Zealand<\/a> and providing two assists at the finals.<\/p>\n If the former Liverpool forward is unavailable, much of Egypt’s attacking responsibility is expected to fall on Omar Marmoush.<\/p>\n The Manchester City forward was left out of the starting line-up against Iran before being introduced as a second-half substitute. Sources close to the team say he was disappointed not to start and is determined to reclaim his place against Australia.<\/p>\n Some observers believe the 27-year-old has yet to make the expected impact at this tournament and Friday’s knockout tie offers the perfect opportunity to change that narrative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n