Salah starts for Egypt in World Cup knockout after injury

Egypt's talisman and captain, Mohamed Salah, is set to start in the team's crucial World Cup Round of 32 encounter against Australia in Texas. This comes as a significant boost for the Egyptian squad, despite Salah nursing a recent hamstring niggle.

The 34-year-old forward, formerly of Liverpool, had to be substituted in Egypt's final group game, a 1-1 draw with Iran, just a week prior. Coach Hossam Hassan had publicly stated on Thursday that he was "not sure" if Salah would be fit enough to begin the match. However, Hassan has now included Salah in his starting XI, which also features Manchester City's Omar Marmoush in the attack.

Salah has been a key contributor for Egypt in the tournament thus far, tallying one goal and two assists. His scoring average for his country is impressive, with a goal every other game. The presence of Salah on the field is expected to significantly bolster Egypt's chances in this critical knockout stage match.

Both Egypt and Australia are entering this game with the historic goal of securing their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout stage. The winner of this match will advance to face either the reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, or debutants Cape Verde in the subsequent round. The stakes are high as both nations aim to make history on the world's biggest football stage.

“

not sure