Egypt have received a major boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Australia after captain Mohamed Salah returned to full training and was declared fit for Friday’s knockout encounter.
The Liverpool forward trained normally with the rest of Hossam Hassan’s squad during Tuesday’s session in Spokane, United States, easing concerns over the hamstring issue that forced him off during Egypt’s 1-1 draw against Iran in the final group-stage match.
Live footage broadcast by ON Sport showed Salah taking part in all aspects of training without restriction, indicating he has recovered in time for the crucial meeting with Australia.
Salah’s availability comes as welcome news for Egypt, who progressed to the knockout rounds after finishing second in Group G and will now be aiming to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Egypt are set to travel to Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday as preparations enter their final phase.
National team director Ibrahim Hassan confirmed that the delegation will depart Spokane at 4:00 a.m. local time (2:00 p.m. Cairo time) aboard a private aircraft provided by FIFA for participating teams.
The flight to Dallas is expected to last approximately three and a half hours, with the squad scheduled to arrive at around 9:30 a.m. local time.
Hossam Hassan and his coaching staff will then oversee the team’s final preparations before Friday’s highly anticipated Round of 32 encounter.
Egypt will face Australia at Arlington Stadium on Friday at 9:00 p.m. Cairo time, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.
