Mohamed Salah injury blow at World Cup as Egypt star heads for scans and faces anxious wait

Egypt have been handed a major injury worry with talismanic skipper Mohamed Salah set to undergo a scan after being withdrawn from the match against Iran. The winger was brought off in the 57th minute of Saturday's game for Mostafa Zico.

Salah has shone at this summer's World Cup having netted his 68th international goal in a 3-1 victory against New Zealand in Egypt's second group stage fixture. The 34-year-old has also scored one further goal in the tournament and provided two assists, helping his nation reach the knockout stages for the very first time.

However serious doubts now surround Salah's availability for the clash against Australia next Friday. The Egyptian FA confirmed that Mohamed Salah, the team captain, complained of pain in his hamstring during the Iran match in the 2026 World Cup which led to his withdrawal from the game in the second half. Team doctor Mohamed Abou said scans later confirmed a hamstring strain.

Hossam Hassan, the technical director of Egypt's first national team, stated: "I spoke with Salah and God willing the injury doesn't seem serious. He assured me it would be fine that it's not a serious injury."

The statement from the Egyptian Football Association added that Salah has begun a treatment programme but made no suggestion as to whether the forward will be fit to play against Australia in Dallas on 3 July. Ahmed Fotouh, Egypt's left-back, also felt pain in his hamstring while Mohamed Abdelmonem suffered a bruise to his ankle. All three players are scheduled to undergo X-rays and medical examinations under the supervision of Dr Mohamed Aboul Ela.

A hamstring problem kept the former Liverpool star out for three weeks from late April, though he recovered to feature in the Reds' final two games of the season. Salah will officially depart Liverpool as a free agent on July 1, ending his nine-year spell on Merseyside.