Mohamed Salah will start for Egypt in their World Cup round of 32 match against Australia on Friday at Dallas Stadium. After recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the group stage finale, the 34-year-old captain returns to the starting lineup for Egypt's debut in the knockout round.
Coach Hossam Hassan had previously expressed uncertainty regarding whether Salah would start or come off the bench. Salah was replaced in the 57th minute of Egypt's 1-1 draw against Iran and underwent limited training in the days leading up to the match. However, Hassan confirmed that the forward was fit enough to play after he was seen training with teammates on Thursday.
Egypt enters the knockout round for the first time in their fourth World Cup appearance. Salah is currently one goal away from tying coach Hassan's Egyptian record of 69 international goals, having appeared in 119 international matches.
Australia enters the clash with an unchanged lineup. Despite the physical presence of the Socceroos, the Pharaohs are not worried as they prepare for the encounter in Arlington, Texas.