Mohamed Salah to be Assessed After Requesting Substitution in Egypt’s 1-1 Draw with Iran
Mohamed Salah will undergo a medical and fitness assessment after asking to be substituted during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran, manager Hossam Hassan said, ahead of the round of 32.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan confirmed that Mohamed Salah requested to be taken off late in the match against Iran and that the player’s condition will be medically evaluated to determine his availability for the knockout stage. Salah looked visibly frustrated after being substituted 12 minutes into the second half, prompting immediate concern over his fitness. Hassan described the situation as unclear for now but said the injury did not appear to be serious on first inspection.
Salah substituted following Iran draw and will be assessed
Mohamed Salah signalled to the bench and left the field after the early part of the second half, with television footage showing the Egypt captain gesturing in discomfort. Coach Hassan said that because Salah asked to be changed, it indicates the player felt something that warranted caution, and the technical staff will carry out a full assessment. The decision to examine Salah will determine whether he can be relied upon for Egypt’s upcoming match against Australia.
Hassan downplays immediate seriousness while urging caution
Hossam Hassan told reporters that it is too early to reach a definitive diagnosis, noting the initial signs did not suggest a major problem but that the team will not rush any conclusions. He stressed the medical team’s role in conducting a proper evaluation before the coaching staff finalises plans for the next training sessions. Hassan emphasised prudence given Salah’s importance to the side and the short turnaround before the round of 32.
Left-back Ahmed Fattouh to face medical checks after knock
The Egypt coaching staff also confirmed that left-back Ahmed Fattouh sustained an injury during the game and will undergo medical checks to determine the extent of his condition. Fattouh’s availability is now in doubt as the team awaits further assessment results, and the staff will monitor him closely in training. Hassan indicated that the squad has alternatives but prefers to have clarity before making tactical adjustments.
Midfielder Hamdy Fathy’s recovery monitored ahead of Australia tie
Midfielder Hamdy Fathy was absent from the Iran match and remains a doubt for the knockout fixture against Australia, according to Hassan, who said he hopes Fathy can recover in time. The coach added that Fathy’s rehabilitation is progressing and that the medical team will provide updates as evaluations continue. Egypt will weigh fitness reports carefully before deciding on the final matchday roster and starting XI.
Egypt finish second in Group Seven and advance to knockouts
Egypt secured second place in Group Seven with five points, finishing behind group leaders on goal difference and moving into the World Cup round of 32. Hassan praised the achievement as a source of pride for the nation, the Arab world and Africa, calling qualification to the knockout phase an important milestone. He said the result demonstrated the squad’s depth and resilience despite a congested schedule and physical demands on key players.
Coaching staff to prioritise recovery and tactical preparation
With the knockout stage approaching, Hassan said the team will shift focus to targeted recovery work and tactical preparation while awaiting medical updates on Salah, Fattouh and Fathy. Training plans will balance light recovery sessions for those carrying knocks with more intensive drills for fully fit players to maintain competitive sharpness. The coach reiterated confidence in his broader player pool and his belief that the squad contains “Egyptian players who can deliver” as the side prepares for a high-stakes match against Australia.
Egyptian officials and the technical team will provide further medical bulletins once the full assessments are complete, and fans can expect updates before match preparations ramp up. The priority, Hassan stressed, remains fielding a squad that is medically cleared and strategically ready for the demands of the knockout rounds.
