Egypt's Mohamed Salah returns to training ahead of knockout round match

Mohamed Salah
Mohamed SalahIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Steven Bisig

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah resumed ⁠training on Tuesday, participating in part of the team's ‌session as he continues his ‌recovery from a hamstring ‌strain and boosting hopes he ‌will be fit for Friday's ‌World Cup last-32 clash against Australia.

Salah was substituted during ‌Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran ⁠in ‌their final group match, casting doubt ​over his availability for the knockout tie ​in Dallas.

Photos posted on the Egyptian Football Association's Facebook ⁠page showed ​a smiling Salah back on the training pitch in Spokane, where Egypt have been ‌preparing for the Australia match. The team accompanied the images with the caption: "The King is back".

Salah's return was a timely boost for Egypt, who progressed to the knockout stages for the ‌first time after finishing second ​in their group with ‌five points, behind leaders Belgium on goal difference.

The 34-year-old has been instrumental in Egypt's campaign, scoring once and ⁠providing ⁠two assists.