Egypt are optimistic that Mohamed Salah will be fit to take on Australia in a last-32 tie at the FIFA World Cup on Friday, despite the captain suffering a hamstring strain in their final group-stage match.

Salah was forced off in the 57th minute of Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle, a result that nonetheless sealed the Pharaohs' place in the round of 32. Scans confirmed the injury, but the 34-year-old has already returned to training, and the mood inside the Egyptian camp is one of growing confidence that he will be available for the Dallas encounter (18:00 GMT).

Head coach Hossam Hassan has downplayed concerns over Salah's fitness, with the forward undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme and individual recovery sessions ahead of the knockout fixture.

Salah's importance to Egypt

The former Liverpool forward has been central to Egypt's campaign so far. He scored in the 3-1 victory over New Zealand and has contributed two assists at the tournament, making his potential absence all the more significant for a side that has reached the knockout rounds for the first time — ending a group stage that included results against Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran.

Should Salah be ruled out, Omar Marmoush is expected to shoulder much of Egypt's attacking burden. The Manchester City forward came off the bench against Iran after being left out of the starting line-up, and sources close to the squad indicate he was frustrated at not starting and is determined to prove his worth against the Socceroos.

At 27, Marmoush has yet to fully deliver on expectations at this tournament, and a knockout game on the world stage represents a considerable opportunity for him to make his mark.

Defensive concerns mount

Egypt's preparations are further complicated by defensive injury problems that emerged during the Iran match. Centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem lasted only 14 minutes before being withdrawn with a knee problem and is in a race against time to be fit for Friday.

Left-back Ahmed Fatouh is expected to miss the match altogether after picking up a hamstring injury of his own. He completed the 90 minutes against Iran only because Egypt had exhausted all five of their substitutions by the time the problem arose.

Hamdi Fathi and Hossam Abdelmaguid are also carrying fitness concerns, leaving Hassan facing a series of selection dilemmas as the Pharaohs prepare to face an Australia side renowned for its physicality and defensive discipline.

Despite the injury cloud hanging over the squad, Egypt remain hopeful that the return of their skipper could be the decisive factor as they bid to win a World Cup knockout match for the first time in the country's history.