Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has suffered a hamstring strain ahead of the Pharaohs’ Round of 32 clash against Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dealing a major blow to the African side’s preparations.
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed on Sunday that scans showed Salah sustained the injury and has already begun treatment in a bid to recover in time for the knockout match.
“Scans carried out on Egypt captain Mohamed Salah confirm that he is suffering from a hamstring strain, for which he has begun treatment,” the Egypt FA said in a statement.
The injury comes as Egypt also contend with other fitness concerns in their squad.
The Egypt FA said left back Ahmed Fattouh has suffered a hamstring tear and is unlikely to recover in time for the Round of 32 encounter against Australia. Defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, meanwhile, sustained severe ankle bruising, although the medical team is working to make him available after his recent return from injury.
“Regarding Ahmed Fattouh’s injury, he is suffering from a hamstring tear, making it difficult for him to recover in time for the Round of 32 match against Australia at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Mohamed Abdelmonem has suffered severe ankle bruising and is being readied for the game,” the statement added.
Egypt’s medical staff are now racing against time to have Salah and Abdelmonem fit for the knockout fixture, while Fattouh’s chances of featuring appear slim.
The Pharaohs face Australia at the Dallas Stadium on July 3 as they look to extend their historic run at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
