Mohamed Salah fitness leaves Egypt waiting ahead of Australia World Cup clash

Salah has been recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group-stage match. The Liverpool forward returned to partial training on Wednesday after the injury forced him off with 33 minutes remaining, but Hassan admitted he is still unsure whether the 34-year-old is ready to start.

"Salah is a passionate player and he is very much looking forward to making his own contribution," Hassan told reporters.

"I'm not going to run any risk unless I'm 100 per cent sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.

"We look forward to him playing tomorrow, but we're not sure if he's going to be in the starting lineup."

Egypt reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after securing the point they needed against Iran, and Salah's fitness has become the major talking point ahead of one of the biggest matches in the country's football history.

The experienced forward has scored once at the tournament, finding the net in Egypt's 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand during the group stage.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Salah, Hassan praised the former African Footballer of the Year and highlighted the impact he has made under his guidance.

"He is one of the best players globally, and I'm very lucky to work with him," Hassan said. "I'm very happy with our work together so far.

"I have managed to deploy him tactically and technically speaking, and he has surpassed the capabilities that people had expected of him so far."

Australia, coached by Tony Popovic, are expected to test Egypt with their physical style and aerial strength, but Hassan believes his players have already faced similar challenges during the tournament.

"On the African continent, we have vast experience with tall players, comparable to the Australia side we're going to face tomorrow," he said.

"It's the same as New Zealand, Belgium and Iran. We have dealt so far with such conditions.

"Every team has its weaknesses and strengths and we're well prepared to deal with whatever we're going to face."

Hassan also dismissed suggestions that Australia's height would be a decisive factor.

"Maradona wasn't the tallest of players, Messi isn't either," he said. "It's not about tall or short. We're not playing rugby here, we're playing football. Not American football, but football, and we're fit and raring to go."

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