Salah has been central to Egypt’s progress at the tournament. The report credits him with scoring in the opening 3-1 win over New Zealand and providing two assists during the group stage.
Those contributions underline the problem facing Hassan. Salah is not only Egypt’s most reliable attacking outlet; he also carries the captaincy and provides the experience required in a first knockout match. Losing him would remove a player capable of creating chances from wide areas, leading transitions and deciding tight games with a single action.
Mostafa Zico replaced Salah against Iran, and that change could offer a clue to Egypt’s contingency plan. Hassan has previously stressed the strength of his squad beyond Salah, but replacing the forward’s influence will require a collective response rather than one direct substitute.
Egypt may need greater responsibility from its midfielders, more attacking movement from the opposite flank and a disciplined defensive structure. The 1-1 draw showed the margin for error in a knockout setting: without Salah, Egypt would likely need to create control through possession and organisation instead of relying on individual quality.
The report says Salah was due to undergo another assessment after the squad returned to its hotel. Until that examination is complete, predictions about his involvement should remain cautious.
For Egypt, the next storyline is clear: Salah’s fitness will shape both the team selection and the tactical approach against Australia. If he is cleared, managing his minutes could become as important as naming him in the starting XI.