Salah is ready for the historical game

Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah, widely regarded as the greatest footballer in the country's history, has recovered from a hamstring injury in what comes as a huge boost for Hossam Hassan's side ahead of Friday's World Cup Round of 32 clash against Australia at the magnificent AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The former Liverpool star—who has since left Anfield and is currently a free agent—was substituted in the 57th minute of Egypt's group-stage match against Iran. His fitness became a major concern in the Egyptian camp over the following days. Although he trained at a reduced intensity, head coach Hossam Hassan has confirmed that Salah will be available.

The Pharaohs' boss stopped short of guaranteeing that his captain will start the match, but made it clear that he will feature.

"Salah is a passionate player and can't wait to help the team. However, I won't take any risks unless I'm 100 percent certain he's fully fit. I'm not sure he'll start, but I plan to use him—we'll see whether that's from the beginning or later in the game” Hassan said.

Salah may not have enjoyed his best season at Liverpool, but his quality remains unquestionable. He has already contributed one goal and two assists at this tournament, including a standout performance against New Zealand. Egypt have already lost left-back Ahmed Fatouh to a hamstring injury, while centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem remains doubtful with an ankle problem. Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. Meanwhile, fellow Premier League attacker Omar Marmoush has struggled for form after a disappointing season at Manchester City, where he spent much of his time on the bench. He has yet to register a goal or an assist in the tournament and was left out of the starting lineup against Iraq, coming on only for the second half.

BETTING GUIDE: Australia vs Egypt, Argentina vs Cape Verde, World Cup Predictions

Hassan must now decide whether to restore Marmoush to the starting XI or stick with Mostafa Ziko of Pyramids FC, who impressed with a goal and an assist in Egypt's 3-1 victory over New Zealand. For Egypt, this marks the first knockout appearance in the nation's World Cup history. In each of their previous four participations, they failed to progress beyond the group stage.

"We had an excellent group stage, and we're determined to keep the momentum going, make history, and make the Egyptian people proud" Hassan said. Australia, meanwhile, have twice reached the World Cup knockout rounds but have never advanced beyond their opening elimination match. Tony Popovic's side now has another opportunity to make history.

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This is the Socceroos' seventh World Cup, and they have qualified for every tournament since 2006. They reached the Round of 32 after an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opener, followed by a defeat to the United States and a goalless draw with Paraguay—a result that suited both teams and secured their progression. The winner of Friday's tie will most likely face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16, with Lionel Scaloni's side considered overwhelming favorites against Cape Verde. The two nations have met only once before, 16 years ago, when Egypt claimed a 3-0 victory in an international friendly.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Friday

Portugal - Croatia 2-1 (0-0)

/Ronaldo 68 pen, Ramos 90+4 - Perisic 53/

Switzerland - Algeria 2-0 (1-0)

/Embolo 10, Ndoye 46/

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***